We’ve all seen terrible pictures of sea creatures caught in discarded plastic, landfill mountains blotting the landscape, and rivers ruined with waste.
So, there is a counter-effort in place to make things better through more innovative packaging material. And it’s not only making a difference to the environment. It’s cheaper and more practical too.
Here are five innovative types of packaging materials you should know about for your business.
1. Recycled Cardboard
Eco-friendly packaging is more important than ever, and there are plenty of ways to stop product packaging from ending up in landfills. Plus, recycled goods use less energy to produce paper and cards from raw materials.
Innovative recycling methods have led to high-quality recycled paper and cardboard that are popular in the packaging industry. If you use recycled packaging, make it part of your brand.
Customers want to buy from companies that show their sustainability credentials. They are conscious of making eco-friendly decisions when they purchase packaged goods.
2. Bioplastic
Another innovative material that ticks the sustainability box is bioplastic. This material resembles plastic, but it’s made from renewable and biodegradable ingredients.
Typical bioplastic contains corn starch, cassava, and even sugarcane. This material is highly versatile, and it can be used in many packaging applications, such as wrapping food or as a protective film.
Bioplastics are easier to dispose of, and unlike synthetic alternatives, they won’t stay in the environment for hundreds of years.
3. Kraft Paper
During the kraft process, chemical pulp can be turned into a highly robust packaging paper. This paper is popular for products such as shopping bags and envelopes.
You’ll also see this type of paper used as inner packaging to keep products secure when boxed. It’s durable and tear-resistant, making it easy to handle in a warehouse. It’s also eco-friendly.
Most kraft paper comes in the natural brown shade; however, you can buy it bleached white.
4. Corrugated Bubble Wrap
Most of us are familiar with bubble wrap and the satisfying pop of crushing the air out of a bubble. But have you heard of corrugated bubble wrap?
It’s a new innovative material that is equally good at protecting items during shipping.
Unlike traditional bubble wrap, it’s made from recyclable corrugated cardboard, typically upcycled using scraps from a corrugated cardboard production line.
5. Glassine Paper
This glossy paper has many unique qualities that make it the perfect packaging material. It is also air, water, and grease resistant, so it’s popular in food packaging.
Wrapping items in glassine paper will prevent things from sticking, keeping the food fresh and in perfect condition. It’s also biodegradable, so it’s one of many sustainable packaging options that have emerged in the industry.
Types of Packaging Materials: Innovations for Your Brand
When it comes to packaging, the size and shape of a box are not the only factors that matter; the types of packaging materials you choose reflect who you are as a brand. Therefore, some of these innovations should be considered.
If you are looking for a trusted local supplier of innovative packaging solutions, you’ve found the right place. Packaging Fulfillment Co., Inc. is here to serve all your packaging needs, and you can start today by requesting a quote.
