Sustainability in Packaging: The Rise of Eco-Friendly Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are containers that we commonly use to store and ship goods across locations. These boxes are prepared from wood pulp and fiberboards and are presented in a three-layer design, which includes two flat liner boards on both ends. This design provides the boxes with the required strength and durability to carry heavy objects. Moreover, its cushioning layer ensures that the products are not damaged while being transported to far-off places. In addition to all these qualities, another reason for the rise of corrugated boxes in various sectors is that they are less harmful to the environment.

In this article, we will go through the rise of eco-friendly corrugated boxes and how they benefit the business. So, let’s get started without much delay.

Eco-friendly benefits of corrugated boxes

The increased use of corrugated boxes will have a positive impact on the environment, and the benefits of using these boxes are mentioned below.

1. Recyclable

Wood pulp is the main material used in the creation of corrugated packaging, which can be manufactured from used newspapers and leftover substances from various industries. The fact that these boxes are prepared from recycled materials means they are highly eco-friendly and an affordable option for any business. Manufacturers of these packaging can reuse their remaining waste to craft unique boxes.

2. Energy Efficiency

The process of producing corrugated boxes requires less energy compared to the manufacturing of other metal packaging. This is because only two processes are involved in preparing corrugated boxes, i.e., the formation of paper and the corrugation process. According to a study, it is estimated that recycling one ton of cardboard will save you about 25% of the energy required for making new cardboard.

3. Biodegradability

As wood pulp is the natural composition of corrugated boxes, it is easily decomposed when exposed to moisture and oxygen in the environment. The process of its decomposition usually takes a few days to complete, and the best part is that minimum toxin is released during this period. This biodegradable nature makes them a safer option for the eco-system compared to plastic packaging.

4. Reduced Carbon Footprint

If you have intentions of reducing carbon footprint with eco-friendly corrugated packaging, then this can be the best decision for a greener planet. The lightweight nature of these boxes assists in effortless transportation with minimum fuel required. This decreases the emission of carbons in nature to a great extent.

5. Reduces Ocean Acidification

The main reason for ocean acidification is the industries which regularly empty their waste in these water bodies. It results in reducing the carbonate, which makes the survival of marine organisms difficult. So, the perfect solution to tackle this issue is to increase the use of corrugated boxes.

How corrugated boxes support sustainable packaging?

Corrugated boxes play an important role in supporting sustainable packaging, and the points discussed below will provide you with a brief idea regarding this.

1. Product Protection

The three-layered design of corrugated boxes provides enough protection to sustain vibrations during the transportation process. The cushioning of these boxes protects your fragile items from breaking even if the boxes are not properly handled.

2. Stackability

These boxes have the tendency to support the weight of other boxes that are placed above them. Hence, you get the opportunity to place these boxes vertically, reducing the area covered. This will assist you in managing the warehouse space and storage of the maximum amount of goods.

3. Versatility

When talking about the versatility of these boxes, the designs of these packaging can be modified according to preferences. You can further customize them according to product sizes and other requirements.

4. Branding

There is enough space available on the surface of corrugated boxes where you can print your branding elements along with product information. As these boxes are prepared from wood pulp, you can use coloured pens for labelling purposes, thus eliminating the need for plastic stickers.

The future of eco-friendly corrugated packaging

The preference for corrugated boxes is increasing rapidly as consumers have become more conscious of the environment. Taking this into consideration, the brands have adopted corrugated packaging, which gave them an edge over the competitors.

Moreover, the researchers are continuously developing techniques that effectively assist in the manufacturing of these packaging products using agricultural waste. This growing trend of corrugated packaging concludes that it has a bright future, and individuals, along with businesses, have already started to adopt it.

According to a recent report, companies are planning to implement systems that recover and reuse their own packaging materials. This will create a circular economy for corrugated boxes and will reduce their manufacturing costs to a great extent. Government regulations around packaging waste and recycling are also getting stricter globally, which will shape the future of eco-friendly corrugated packaging. The brands that work towards sustainability will surely receive the first-mover advantage and better exposure compared to others.

Conclusion

Thus, the rise of corrugated boxes is a necessary shift towards sustainability and a greener future. This trend reflects that the concern regarding the environment has grown immensely among individuals. There are many advantages in shifting to these boxes as they provide a combination of functionality and cost-effectiveness. This shift will turn out to be beneficial for the environment and tackle the growing demand for consumer goods. Thus, the rise of eco-friendly corrugated boxes is a positive and necessary step towards sustainability in packaging.