The packaging industry is actively seeking alternatives to plastic, but the transition to paper and pulp might not be the panacea consumers expect. A Rabobank report reveals that the perceived sustainability of paper-based packaging solutions is more complex than it seems. As environmental legislation advances, businesses are not only ethically motivated but strategically driven to adopt greener materials. Yet, the shift to paper is fraught with challenges that defy a universal solution.
Sustainability is no longer just an ethical choice – it’s a competitive edge. Companies are innovating with materials to meet consumer demand, where sustainability is associated with quality and responsibility. Consumer brands around the world are working to shift from virgin plastic to pulp and paper alternatives. “However, and contrary to what consumers perceive, replacing plastic with paper and pulp is not that sustainable or easy to implement,” says Jim Owen, Senior Analyst – Packaging & Logistics for Rabobank.
While this transition appears to align with environmentally conscious initiatives, a critical examination shows that purported sustainability benefits may be overshadowed by several challenges. “Pulp and paper solutions are not the cure-all solution many believe them to be. In fact, it can introduce its own set of ecological – and business – complications,” according to Owen.
The industry’s investment in paper alternatives is growing, with even major plastic producers backing pulp technology – a clear indicator of the trend’s momentum.
The main concerns about pulp and paper use range from cost to sustainability and functionality, including:
- The need for more material to achieve plastic-like robustness, resulting in higher costs and energy-intensive production, making paper alternatives up to five times pricier than plastic.
- Higher carbon emissions from paper production processes, such as logging and pulping, which can surpass the environmental impact of plastics.
- Challenges in composting or recycling paper products if they require protective coatings.
- Constraints in use, as paper packaging is limited to items that don’t need extensive protection to prolong shelf life, like foodservice products and non-perishable goods.
Legislative initiatives in the EU and the US, and also by the UN, are addressing environmental issues within the packaging industry
Globally, legislative efforts are tackling the environmental footprint of packaging. In the US, federal bills and state recycling laws are reshaping sustainable packaging. The EU is strengthening its fight against plastic waste with new regulations. At the international level, the UN is drafting a treaty to address plastic pollution, urging countries to consider the entire life cycle of plastics.
This legislative momentum underscores a collective commitment to sustainable and circular packaging solutions, paving the way for a greener future in the industry.