Paper Packaging: Designing for Circularity

Packaging companies are designing rigid paper packaging to support the circular economy, and make recycling more feasible and easy for consumers. © MSM – stock.adobe.com

The benefits of modern paper packaging innovation.

By Elizabeth Rhue, Vice President and General Manager of Sonoco Rigid Paper Containers, North America

The packaging sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven in part by tightening environmental legislation, and also by a growing consumer demand for sustainable solutions. As the world grapples with the effects of plastic pollution and resource depletion, paper-based packaging is emerging as a functional and readily recyclable alternative, playing a crucial role in supporting a circular economy. Forward thinking packaging companies are innovating and collaborating to unlock the full potential of paper packaging, while helping brands to meet their sustainability goals.

The Rise of Paper Packaging

The shift away from single-use plastics and multi-material packaging is becoming increasingly apparent, with paper-based solutions offering a viable path towards reducing environmental impact. Designed around circular economy principles, and tailored to meet the many diverse needs of brands and consumers, paper packaging boasts multiple advantages that make it an increasingly attractive solution:

• Recyclability: Paper packaging is easily recyclable within existing household waste streams, contributing to a more circular flow of materials.
• Recycled material: As well as being recyclable, more and more paper packaging available on the market today is already made from recycled material, boosting circularity further.
• Functionality: Paper packaging can provide protection for products, with robust designs to minimize breakage, and barrier properties to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Lightweight: Paper is a lightweight material, which can be transported efficiently – leading to both cost saving and a reduced carbon footprint.
• Consumer appeal: Consumers perceive brands that switch to paper packaging as actively demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.
• Adaptability: Available in multiple shapes and sizes – from round, square or rectangular; to oval, oblong or triangular – rigid paper containers can provide a highly recyclable, mono-material packaging solution for a huge variety of products. With the right properties, rigid paper containers are suitable for use in a wide range of market sectors, from food and drink; to beauty and pharma – and are already being used by some of the most iconic global brands.
• Ever more paper content: Some rigid paper packaging on the market today is up to 98% paper content – in some cases even featuring an integrated paper lid, making it easy and convenient for the consumer to dispose of responsibly and for the whole recycling process to be managed effectively.

The Importance of Collaboration

To be successful, companies need to recognize that partnerships and collaborations are critical to accelerating the circular economy in packaging. No single company can drive sustainability alone; it requires a collective effort from brand owners, packaging manufacturers and industry stakeholders.

Cooperative partnership with all levels of government is crucial, and leading packaging companies are actively collaborating with state agencies to support creation of packaging solutions that drive up recyclability and reduce environmental impact. Consultation with state legislatures as they develop EPR legislation across the US is an important current example of this type of cooperation.

Partnerships with groups such as the Poly Coated Paper Alliance and the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) are also crucial to long term progress towards packaging circularity.

The Future of Paper Packaging

As demand for circular packaging increases, brands will continue to seek packaging solutions that reduce their environmental impact without compromising functionality or shelf appeal. Paper-based packaging solutions designed with high levels of paper and recycled content, and designed to be easily recycled provide brands with a practical and scalable path to achieve their sustainability goals and thereby support the growth of the circular economy

Companies looking to transition to paper-based packaging should consider all their options carefully, and choose customized solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics and recyclability.

By taking on board paper-based packaging solutions, and working with leaders in the field, brands operating in the packaging industry can help to pave the way for a more sustainable, and circular, future.

About the Author

Elizabeth Rhue, Vice President and General Manager of Sonoco Rigid Paper Containers, North America. Visit: https://www.sonoco.com/na/products/rigid-paper-containers