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| sustainable packaging |
Sustainable packaging and society: paper and cardboard packaging
In recent years, social awareness about the use of plastic containers and other contaminants for consumption has grown significantly. Without a doubt, it is still necessary to continue raising awareness and talking about the possibilities of sustainable packaging.One of the main conclusions of the study “Packaging and packaging: perception of society” - carried out by the Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Containers and Packaging of Wavy Cardboard (AFCO) last year 2017 - is that more than 70% of the Consumers in our country prefer paper and cardboard packaging. According to this study, sustainability is not the only reason why this package is preferred by the consumer, but its functionality and image play an important role in determining these preferences.
Taking these attributes into account - in addition to their environmental potential - is an advantage when promoting the use of this type of packaging. Investing in image, design and functionalities can be a way to amplify its use by companies and consumers.
Sustainable packaging: cardboard in logistics
In conventional logistics, cardboard packaging is one of the most practical and profitable assets. It is a more than adequate solution for the protection of products during the transport process. Not surprisingly, up to 60% of the paper consumed in Spain is in the form of corrugated cardboard for packaging. Spain is positioned as the fourth country in volume of production of corrugated cardboard.Cardboard packaging is a sustainable packaging by definition: it is pure circular economy. Paper and cardboard are biodegradable, renewable and fully recyclable materials.
If we talk about eco-products available at point of sale, inside packages and packaging, corrugated cardboard provides great resistance and flexibility, as well as durability and protection to the elements it contains. On the outside of the product, it undoubtedly generates creative possibilities that can make a product much more attractive to the consumer: graphics printing, die cutting, etc.
Cardboard is also an important asset in promotional logistics. It allows cost savings, is extremely easy to handle, package, palletize and transport, and is extremely versatile when presenting a promotion. Materials such as stands, stoppers and other types of PLV are made of cardboard due to all the advantages of this material.
Finish with plastic, the challenge of our generation sustainable packaging vs plastic
The problem of plastic is increasingly evident. For the first time, a material created artificially by humans has invaded the planet in an unquestionable way. Most of these plastics end up in the oceans, where it is estimated that there will be more plastic than fish by 2050.One of the focuses in this fight against plastic in supermarkets. Although different initiatives have already begun to be implemented, especially with regard to shopping bags, there is still work to be done. Very often we find criticism in social media and networks about the excessive use of plastic for the packaging of fresh products that do not need it.
In a world in which only 30% of plastic is recycled, it is essential to find alternatives for packaging and bet on sustainable and recyclable packaging.