Cardboard boxes continue to be the most popular choice when it comes to packaging and transhipping bulky, large, and fragile products. Packing containers and cartons made of cardboard tend to be lightweight and hardy, can be easily stacked, and are very cost-effective.
However, the drawbacks of using cardboard packs usually outweigh their benefits, especially with regards to packing and delivering small products and personal use items.
In this post, we look at cardboard boxes as a packing material and explore some alternative packaging solutions and products.
The Need for Alternative Packaging Solutions
Cardboard containers continue to be the most popular packaging material throughout the UK and EU. EU alone accounts for over 34 million tonnes of paper and cardboard packaging waste produced every year. The overall cardboard and paper litter generated globally per annum far exceeds the plastic packing refuse.
The downsides of using cardboard packaging have nothing to do with the substance per-se; it’s the manner in which the material is usually used. More often than not, sellers and transporters use containers that are overly hefty or excessively large compared to the items meant for dispatch.
Additionally, you end up paying postage for space inside the cardboard space that remains unused. Retailers, packaging and transport firms all over the world, especially online retailers, are increasingly resorting to smart packing solutions.
If you’re looking to replace cardboard boxes for delivering your online or offline orders, you’ll find eco-friendlier and cost-effective packaging materials. These packaging materials are not only biodegradable, but they can also help cut down your transportation costs.
Grooved Cardboard Bubble Wrap
The bubble wrap plastic packaging extensively used for packing toys and delicate gift items is not at all environmental-friendly. Up-cycled corrugated cardboard wrap is an eco-friendlier alternative. Cardboard packages that would have been discarded or recycled, gets a fresh lease of life as a padding material.
Recyclable Air Peanuts
Styrofoam has for long been the industry norm for packing sensitive and brittle items, cushioning the packed items from impacts and shocks. However, Styrofoam or EPS is not worth salvaging from the economical perspective and also not biodegradable. Recyclable air peanuts are fast replacing Styrofoam as a more viable packing alternative as they’re fully biodegradable.
Biodegradable Plastics
Many items have to be transported and shipped very carefully to ensure they do not suffer damage during transit. Consequently, such items need to be wrapped in materials that can withstand heavy loads, and resist wear and tear. And that invariably calls for the use of plastics.
And now you can choose from pallets, spill trays, and drums made of 100% reclaimed plastics.
Recycled and Up-cycled Paper and Cardboard
However, all the aforementioned eco-friendly materials will serve as fillers. You’ll still need something to house your consignments in. If you’re concerned about environmental degradation, you’ll stay away from unsustainable cardboard containers. Why not choose post-commercial recycled and up-cycled paper and cardboards?
High Quality Packaging Solutions and Products from Tripak Ltd
Here at Tripak Ltd, we have many years of experience manufacturing and packaging consumables for industries across-the-board. For over three decades, we’ve been dealing in a wide range of packing solutions and products. Contact us today for a free quote.