As shoppers become more environmentally conscious, they are looking for greener packaging options. In a 2020 report from The Pew Charitable Trusts, consumers were asked to choose their preferred packaging material. The study found that 55% of consumers prefer paper packaging because it is better for the environment.
As a result, many customers around the world have come to favor brands that use eco-friendly packaging. Using eco-friendly packaging is important for brands for some reasons, including reaching new, environmentally conscious audiences and more importantly, doing their part to help reduce their impact on the planet.
This is why many businesses are switching to paper tube packaging instead of single-use plastic packaging.
The paper tube packaging fits our circular packaging framework as it is 100% recyclable. It is also made from paper, a renewable material, which provides durability, low oxygen permeability and natural barrier properties to the products wrapped within.
It is therefore ideal for protecting products from moisture, oxygen, and pests, such as candles or cosmetics. Here are some reasons why paper tube packaging is an excellent eco-friendly packaging solution, and why your business should consider it.1. It is one of the best substitutes for plastic packaging.
The paper material in paper tube packaging contains none of the harmful chemicals found in plastic tube packaging. This means that when it is disposed of at the end of its useful life and exposed to oxygen in the air, there is no unnecessary waste or health risk.
Paper tube packaging is 100% recyclable and can be reused many times, preventing new materials from entering the packaging cycle. This is in line with the principles of a circular economy, rather than a take-make-dispose model. If plastic coatings or non-eco-friendly inks are not used, they can break down in the compost and contribute to the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.
Plastic packaging, on the other hand, is often made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and can take thousands of years to decompose in landfills. The USDA considers paper tube packaging a renewable resource because paper production uses 25% less energy than plastic production.
2. It’s recyclable (and biodegradable).
Paper tube packaging is considered environmentally friendly as it is recyclable. This means it has a useful life beyond its single use use as a packaged product, as it can be recycled and remade into new products, preventing virgin material from entering circulation. It is possible to recycle paper packaging up to seven times before the fibers become too short to be reused.
Recycling is also a simple waste disposal method for enterprises to communicate with customers. Businesses don’t need much education, as most shoppers know how to recycle, thanks to the good recycling facilities around the world.
Paper tube packaging is also environmentally friendly as it is biodegradable. While plastic can take 1,000 years or more to degrade into smaller and smaller pieces, paper tube packaging is biodegradable and breaks down faster when added to compost or soil. When the packaging is made of paper, it breaks down into water and carbon dioxide within six weeks of being placed in the ground.
3. It is a sustainable shipping material.
Unlike thicker materials such as single-use plastic, paper is a lightweight and flexible material that is easy to transport and store.
When you pay to ship multiple packages, ideally you want the material to be light and flexible, because the lighter the package, the cheaper the shipping and the less space the package takes up in transit.
If you’re a small business, this helps keep costs at a more sustainable level, and it also helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of your business’s shipping and delivery. It’s a win, a win!
4. No peculiar smell
Plastic has a distinctive smell, which is one of the biggest complaints about it. A chemical called melamine causes the smell, which makes plastic stronger, more flexible, and less likely to break. The strong smell of plastic can linger for years after it has been disposed of.
The paper tube packaging has no smell because it is made of natural materials and no smell is allowed. Paper takes over 5 years to oxidize and emit odors, making it a durable material.
Paper tubes are made of 100% biodegradable and compostable plant material. Paper tubes are safe to use in a variety of products such as candles, cosmetics, hair products, toothpaste, and more.
5. Longer shelf life
Since they are made from plant material rather than man-made, the paper tubes will stand the test of time on the shelf. When they come in contact with moisture, the tube packs dry out without any damage to the material. Plastic, on the other hand, reacts to moisture, which increases the risk of bacterial growth and mold.
If you want to store perishable products like tea or coffee inside the tubes, our raw paper tubes have been SGS tested and certified food-grade liner inside. This means they will seal tightly to keep your produce fresh!
Conclusion
Paper tubes are a great eco-friendly alternative to single-use packaging. Brands can choose this environmentally responsible material because it is lightweight, flexible, easy to transport, and 100% recyclable.
From candles to cosmetics to coffee, our stock paper tubes come in four sizes. Ready to start using eco-friendly packaging alternatives? Learn more on our website.
