Make the Switch: to Cardboard

Make the Switch: to Cardboard

Polystyrene has widely been used in food packaging, but change is occurring. An increasing interest in sustainable solutions has resulted in a shift towards cardboard alternatives.

Unlike polystyrene, cardboard packaging can be made from recycled material and recycled again after use. Even if it reaches landfill, it does biodegrade, which isn’t the case for polystyrene.

WorldStar Sustainable Award

A great example of a viable alternative has won this year’s WorldStar Sustainable Award. The EcoFishBox has been designed by Stora Enso to replace polystyrene fish boxes. By applying a PET lamination to the cardboard packaging and using a specific folding method, a waterproof and leak-proof container has been created.

Not only is the EcoFishBox manufactured from renewable and completely recyclable materials, it is also supplied as a flat sheet of corrugated cardboard. This reduces transport costs and space in the warehouse. Being simple to assemble, it is hoped that this cardboard packaging will be widely adopted by fresh fish suppliers.

Co-op Pizza

Cardboard has also replaced polystyrene in Co-op’s pizza range. This is one of many sustainable measures that the retailer has implemented. Another is to supply tomatoes in cardboard packaging.

The aim is to reduce the volume of waste heading for landfill. The switching of pizza disc material may seem like a small step in the right direction, but it is expected to save 200 tonnes of polystyrene being disposed of. Imagine if every pizza producer followed this example…

Food Delivery Boxes

Many food delivery companies such as Able & Cole and Riverford started out by placing orders into polystyrene boxes. The reason was that these were the best solution for keeping food cool and fresh. With new insulating liners now available, including the compostable WoolCool, many have changed to cardboard boxes.

Food Packaging

Food packaging has to comply with specific regulations, so cardboard may not always be the best option. Having said this, innovative design solutions are making it possible for more producers and suppliers to shift to sustainable cardboard packaging. Contact Aylesbury Box Company if you would like to discuss the options.