In pursuing a circular economy, the packaging industry has become the center of much scrutiny. On an industrial level, the packaging materials used for delivering products to customers can significantly impact the environment. Moreover, with the rise of online shopping, the demand for packaging materials has skyrocketed, increasing waste and pollution.

Plastic is ubiquitous in packaging, be it grocery, food, water bottle, or e-commerce. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this plastic has turned to pollution in the environment. Approximately 60% of all the produced plastic is used for packaging, while 40% is used just once before being discarded.¹

On the positive side, there are various kinds of materials that can sustainably replace plastic as packaging material. Paper is one of those as it is renewable, compostable, and can be recycled up to seven times and repurposed further.

The paper industry presently contributes 30%²  to the packaging industry. The growing awareness towards sustainable consumption and strict environmental regulations have influenced consumers to switch to plastic free options in packaging.

Understanding Sustainability from Kadant’s Lens

Kadant’s businesses specialize in the design and production of state-of-the-art machinery that aids mills and factories in the efficient extraction of both virgin and recycled pulp from a variety of fiber-based products, as well as sustainably farmed trees. The paper made from recycled pulp is used in corrugated packaging. Corrugated packaging can be recycled repeatedly into pulp and used further until the end of its life cycle.

Kadant’s expertise in extracting valuable fibers from even the most contaminated raw materials, helps us do our bit in achieving a circular economy. Our unwavering commitment to sustainability extends within the organization with efficient water and energy usage practices. 

Similarly, Kadant is a pioneer in Upcycling. With this breakthrough, companies can repurpose rejects to create end products of value that can become a source of additional revenue and help achieve the circular economy model.

Paper Packaging Reigns Supreme: Study Reveals Consumers' Preference for Sustainable Options

Two Sides commissioned a European study of 5,900 consumers and concluded that Paper and corrugated packaging ranks highest with consumers for sustainability attributes, such as compostable (72%), better for the environment (62%), and easier to recycle (57%) ³

Seventy percent of customers actively try to limit their usage of plastic packaging, and 66% of consumers prefer that online purchases be delivered in paper packaging instead of plastic.

One of the most significant benefits of using sustainable packaging is reducing landfill waste. Traditional packaging materials can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Sustainable packaging improves the overall customer experience. Given that consumers are becoming more conscious of their purchases' environmental impact, sustainable packaging can help businesses appeal to these eco-conscious shoppers.

Making the switch to sustainable packaging isn't always easy and may require some upfront investment. However, the long-term benefits for both the environment and the business make it an intelligent choice. By choosing 100% sustainable delivery packaging, companies can do their part in reducing waste and pollution while also appealing to socially conscious businesses that care about the environment.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/woodmackenzie/2020/08/24/is-paper-a-more-sustainable-flexible-packaging-material-than-plastic/?sh=611b031b12d4

[1]https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/plastics-facts-infographics-ocean-pollution

[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6801293/

[3]https://www.twosides.info/documents/research/2020/packaging/European-Packaging-Preferences-2020_EN.pdf