No End to Plastic-free Packaging

No End to Plastic-free Packaging

Plastic-free July might be drawing to an end, but our mission to replace plastic packaging with viable alternatives continues. One message that we want to get across is that fully recyclable, moisture-resistant, plastic-free packaging is an option. Want to know more?

Not All Cardboard Packaging Can be Recycled

One of our bugbears is when brands use cardboard packaging to appear sustainable. Yet, they use a moisture-resistant lining that can’t be recycled.

The most common example is takeaway cups. The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee found that in the UK, 2.5 billion hot drinks are served in disposable cups every year. That equates to 7 million cups a day. What’s more, the majority cannot be recycled due to the thin plastic lining.

We see the same issue with cardboard boxes used for shipping food products. Yes, the strength of an untreated cardboard box can be compromised if it gets damp. This would render it useless. However, there are plastic-free solutions that make cardboard effective in moist conditions.

Our Moisture Resistant Options for Cardboard Packaging

There are a range of options on the market, however, we supply two options:

Hyperflute is a specialist cardboard where the layers are treated with a moisture-resistant coating. It looks much the same as any other cardboard box, yet is resistant to water. The coating also repels ink, so it cannot be printed, but it is ideal if you require plain shipping boxes.

Seigwerk UNILAC is a barrier coating that we can apply as a final layer on printed or plain boxes. With this specialist finish, natural resins replace plastic as an effective way to repel moisture. The coating is compliant with food standards, recyclable and biodegradable.

If you are looking for a plastic-free barrier coating, contact us to discuss your requirements and request a sample.

Plastic-free Packaging Void Fill

The other area where there are many viable alternatives to plastic packaging is void fill. There is no reason to be using polystyrene, bubble wrap, air pillows and other plastic-based fillers.

Firstly, good packaging design can irradicate the need for fillers by providing a best-fit box. It is also possible for the design to incorporate features that hold products in place, increase protection and improve presentation.

However, if you feel the need to use fillers paper and natural starch alternatives are widely available. As a packaging specialist, we supply the following sustainable options.

Paper Air Bags – 100% recyclable and biodegradable air-filled paper bags which prevent items from shifting, bumping or breaking during shipping. We supply these flat-packed and they are quick and easy to inflate.

Kraft Paper – Crumpled or shredded kraft paper provides great cushioning and can be squeezed into any empty spaces in the box to protect products from damage. We provide large rolls, with perforations that make sheets easy to tear off.

Will you commit to opting for best-fit boxes or use biodegradable void fill this plastic-free July?

Sustainable Supply Chain

As a packaging supplier that is on a mission to minimise our environmental impact, we continue to make improvements to our operations. We are proactively working towards Net Zero and if you value a sustainable supply chain, we can provide evidence of our environmental credentials.

Call 01296 436888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk to find out more.