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Sustainable Packaging Solutions – Is Paper or Plastic Best?

Neil Skelton

The decision to use paper over plastic may be easier said than done. It is possible though.

The role of paper and cartonboard in a sustainable packaging future seems obvious. It is apparent to all of us in the packaging industry though that a plastic free world is not an easy goal.

Whilst your packaging may seem like the area to focus on the solution may actually lie in your supply chain or in your end users behaviour. It takes commitment and innovation. Two things that most commonly also require investment. 

As I rounded up recent news articles to cover on our blog I pondered the many different solutions available to our clients. Thinking outside the box has become essential in recent months and I believe that this is going to lead to great innovation and opportunities for us all. 

Chapelton are of course keen to support clients in all stages of their packaging design, specification and buying. Give us a call on 01622 882280 or request a callback and we will contact you.

Is paper a plastic free packaging solution?

I read with interest Jessica Page’s blog post on paper and its relationship with the growing demands for sustainable packaging. Is paper the solution, or used wrongly will it just add to the problem? This is something that we must take responsibility in asking. 

Most of our clients work with paper (or forms of cartonboard) and plastics. I’m happy to tell you that nearly all conversations these days include questions about plastic free alternatives. Whether this is the case around the World we cannot be sure of but we have to start where we can make a difference.

The truth is that paper and cartonboard can be the right plastic free alternative. But you have to ask the right questions and consider the end use. Jessica highlights this point by focusing on the use of paper in bread packaging. Consumers are attracted to the allure of fresh bread but it does reduce the shelf life of the product resulting in more food waste. Add to that a plastic viewing window which means the paper packaging can no longer be recycled and you have a sustainability fail.

L'Oréal's paper bottles and tubes hit the shelves arrive in store

L’Oréal’s cartonboard packaging solution for tubes and bottles has arrived on beauty shelves in France. 

First previewed in December 2019 as a paper-based beauty bottle created with the Paper Bottle Company – Paboco and then teased at Luxe Pack Monaco in tube form for the La Roche-Posay brand, the company is honouring its commitment to reduce the environmental footprint of its packaging. 

Working with beauty packaging specialist Albéa the eco-designed packaging has 45% less plastic than a conventional tube.

Speaking of the sustainable packaging innovation Laetitia Toupet, International General Manager of La Roche-Posay said “The launch of these very first Anthelios tubes to incorporate cardboard represents an important step in our quest to reduce the environmental footprint of packaging. We intend to extend this experimental technology to other iconic products of the brand and to offer it in as many countries as possible.” 

Whilst still not actually recyclable the new packs allow significant environmental gains with results showing the tubes’ carbon footprint is the lowest in their category. 

The L’Oréal Group’s sustainability commitment report gives a complete view on the company’s efforts towards the environment and the circular economy.

McDonalds switch from plastics continues

As lockdown eases across the UK the queues at McDonalds drive throughs gives some indication of this nation’s love for fast food. 

As the order for my family was passed into our car I took note of the cartonboard McFlurry cup and brown salad box. Apart from the drink lid and the ketchup not a single item of plastic packaging was present. Even the spoons pictured here were now a wooden recyclable version.

In just the salad box alone McDonald’s UK & Ireland estimates the new packaging will mitigate the use of 102 metric tonnes of plastic annually.

McDonalds has been promising to improve the recyclability of its packaging since 2018 and seems to be making remarkable process. The adjustments have not only considered food packaging; in UK Happy Meals plastic toys are being fazed out and in Holland even the balloons they give to children are being swapped for character based face masks.

In an interview with Edie.net McDonald’s vice president of global sustainability Keith Kenny said: “The trials we are conducting across Europe are vital in helping us get first-hand feedback from customers on solutions that help them to be conscious consumers, without compromising on quality and the McDonald’s experience they love.”

With such a consumer facing business it is perhaps not a surprise that McDonalds is showing such willing intent but equally the degree of focus and innovation is commendable. Companies wondering how or where they could start to adopt and more sustainable approach to their packaging should take note.

Creating a sustainable packaging strategy

It is positive to see that paper and cartonboard is increasingly the best recyclable or sustainable packaging solution. There is still a long way to go and all companies need to show the same level of commitment as the examples here. And I say that with all respect for how much work that can require. 

Whether you focus your attention on product, packaging, supply chain or end user behaviour be prepared to listen, innovate and collaborate. We work with clients and manufacturers across a wide range of sectors and markets. The value of this is that we get to see solutions in one that the other may not have considered. 

Even better we get to share that with our clients. 

As I said above, Chapelton are keen to support clients in all stages of their packaging design, specification and buying. 

Get in contact today on 01622 882280 or request a callback and we will contact you.

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Photo by tanvi sharma on Unsplash

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