Plastic Vs Paper: Which Is The Better Packaging Material?
The debate between plastic and paper packaging has been a trend ever since the extensive use of plastic has been significantly scrutinised over recent years.
As paper packaging solutions are regarded as a more sustainable alternative that does not negate practicality, is it really the case, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of both plastic and paper?
Today, consumers are more environmentally conscious. Hence, many businesses are transiting to paper packaging to meet the changing needs. To tackle the debate of which is the better packaging material, we will explore three critical areas: Cost, functionality, and environmental impact.
Plastic vs Paper: Cost
The cost of packaging affects everybody, from the manufacturer to the businesses and to the consumers.
Plastic
There is no denying that plastic is one of the cheapest and most common packaging materials. Not only are they easy to source because there are many plastic manufacturers, but they have been a popular material choice since the 1950s, making them significantly reliable.
Paper
Manufacturing is some of the most energy-dependent processes. Hence, paper packaging might not always be the most cost-effective choice. A study has shown that it takes at least three times more energy to manufacture 1,000 paper bags as compared to manufacturing the same number of plastic bags. With that being said, such manufacturing costs have to be passed down the consumer chain, with paper packaging sometimes costing more than its plastic counterparts.
Takeaway: Despite differing costs, the environmental cost will be taken into account as it is translated into monetary terms, impacting everybody.
Plastic vs Paper: Environmental Impact
This leads us to their environmental impact. Most first instinct would be to assume that paper would be the most environmentally friendly material. However, do not be quick to assume.
Plastic
Plastic can offset a partial amount of its significant footprint thanks to factors such as recyclability and reusability. However, regular petrochemical plastics are not 100% recyclable, and they take thousands of years to degrade completely, leaking toxins into the surrounding environment at the same time.
Paper
While paper is a compostable and biodegradable product, it is frequently sent to landfills due to poor recycling habits, or it is not recyclable due to the internal plastic coating. A waste statistic conducted by NEA in 2022 revealed that out of the 1,064,000 tonnes (1,064 million kilogrammes) of generated paper waste, 37% of it was recycled, with the remaining 63% disposed of in landfills.
The thing about paper packaging is that while it is a completely renewable source, many environmentalists state that it contributes to deforestation. Additionally, as mentioned in the previous point, the manufacturing of paper products is not entirely energy efficient, resulting in the contribution towards pollution.
Takeaway: Neither plastic nor paper packaging is perfect.
Plastic vs Paper: Functionality
Once again, many might have a preconception about which packaging material offers the best value in terms of functionality. However, both have proven to have specific advantages and are exceptionally capable in their own rights.
Plastic
The material has been known as durable, lightweight, and versatile. Plastic packaging has always been the main choice for every business until its environmental impact became apparent. They are able to hold both dry and liquid items, as well as cold and hot foods. The only downside is that with plastic, it is harder to print things on, as compared to paper.
Paper
The packaging material is easy to store, compostable, and ideal for branding and printing. It is an obvious choice for holding dry items and foods, and coming in different thicknesses makes it extra stable. However, those packaging without any internal plastic coating limits their use in terms of holding liquid items or foods. In addition, they must also be stored carefully as paper materials are susceptible to mould and moisture.
Takeaway: Plastic is hard to beat in terms of functionality, though it seems the two materials depend on one another. Paper often needs an internal plastic coating for safer use, and plastic may require the use of paper labels.
Conclusion
Plastic vs paper. There is no distinct answer as to which is the better packaging material. At the end of the day, it all depends on your business needs and the nature of the business you are running.
Fortunately, at SKP, we offer other packaging materials, such as bamboo products and EcoVue, which is made of polypropylene that has been blended carefully with a one-of-a-kind biodegradable additive, allowing the plastic to be broken down in only landfills into organic by-products, such as water, biomass, and natural gases.
With that being said, if you are looking for biodegradable utensils and other sustainable food packaging options, then look no further than our online catalogue. Contact us to inquire about our products and costs.