Consumers are always in search of renewable & responsible packaging. Choosing paper solutions supports a circular economy. One of the most recycled materials in the world is paper. This claim is proven as 60% of paper, including cardboard, is recovered for the recycling process. High-quality paper packaging is sourced from biodegradable, renewable, & recyclable raw material. Packaging across the US is working on innovative designs and production to reduce carbon and offer sustainable solutions. For instance, custom tubes by iPacku are one of the top examples of eco-friendly paper packaging. The functionality and environmental benefits advocate that paper packaging is not only a right fit for today, but perfect for the future of sustainable businesses.
Eco-Friendly Paper Tubes — Are They Really as Green as They Seem?
We often hear about eco-friendly paper tube packaging. Have you ever thought, are they actually playing a significant role in saving the environment? Let’s find out in detail.
Plant-Based Material
Consumers want interactive, UV-protective, and eco-friendly packaging, and all of this can be sourced only from paper material. Unlike plastic or other non-renewable materials, paper packaging is made up of all plant content. Recyclable material is the new trend for food items, and it not only protects the food but also reduces the amount of waste.
Food packaging contains plant-based material from the outer layer to the inner layer. It includes:
Use of bamboo or uncoated paper
plant-based inner coating (PLA)
Vegetable starch coating
Reduce Greenhouse Emissions
The shift of businesses to adopt sustainable packaging is directly influencing the impact of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The reason for this change is linked with scope 1, 2, & 3 emissions.
What are scope 1, 2, & 3 emissions?
It is the process to categorize greenhouse emissions directly or indirectly by any organization, such as packaging. Non-renewable materials like plastic emit greenhouse gases and lead to a carbon footprint.
Scope 1: Direct emission through the production unit or manufacturing of the material
Scope 2: Indirect emission via purchased energy
Scope 3: It includes all kinds of indirect emissions, involving environmental impact caused by transporting material.
Biodegradable paper tubes work perfectly to reduce the scope of all of these emissions. They are
100% recyclable and environmentally friendly
Consume a moderate amount of energy or water in production, and Lightweight with smart design, leading to savings in transportation and shipping costs, as large amounts of tubes can be shipped at a single time.
Sourced from High Post Consumer Recycled Content
Custom tubes by iPacku are made from PCR or high post-consumer recycled paper, including paperboard or kraft material. Paper tubes are often made from high post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, such as reclaimed paperboard or kraft. This strategy directly reduces the need for virgin raw material. Thus, reduce carbon emissions involving logging, pulping, or other chemical processes.
Renewable Resources
Renewable or recyclable paper fiber can be used up to 7 times before losing its durability. Paper-based tubes are made from renewable resources, meaning that they can be recycled easily, save time and energy, and support a circular economy to reuse paper products. USDA reveals that producing paper requires 25% less energy than plastic material.
Excellent Biodegradability
As compared to the plastic that needs centuries to decompose, paper tubes only take 6 weeks to biodegrade (turning into water & carbon dioxide) under a compostable process. This biodegradability feature saves the environment and supports zero-landfill pollution.
Regenerate Natural Systems
Using renewable resources, such as FSC-certified material, ensures the materials come from responsibly managed sources that can regenerate.
Through reusable designs and recyclable qualities, custom tubes by iPacku support the natural system by minimizing waste for greener environment practices.
Cut Down on Fuel Consumption
Paper-based tubes are lightweight and crafted in a smart cylindrical shape, reducing the expenses and fuel consumption of shipping or transportation. These features allow businesses to
Export or deliver large pieces at a time
Reduce empty air spaces in shipments
Smartly handling load efficiency
Reduce transportation-related emissions
Reduced Emissions During Production
Choosing renewable or recycled materials for tube production reduces greenhouse emissions as compared to plastic packaging production. Manufacturing paper tubes results in lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to plastic packaging. In fact, producing 100% recycled cardboard can reduce emissions by nearly 40% compared to virgin production, making eco friendly paper tube packaging a clear choice for sustainable brands.
Sustainable End-of-Life Disposal
Biodegradable paper tubes are easy to dispose of, leading to reduced methane emission, and contributes to low-carbon packaging solutions.
Future Trends in Biodegradable Paper Tubes
Innovative ideas & practices are making packaging better day by day. The future of packaging industries is hopeful for more eco-friendly products through continuous efforts. Let’s see what’s coming up in the next few years.
Algae-based coating
As for now, custom tubes by ipackU and other sustainable brands use plant-based coating, but researchers are working on algae-based inner coating for tubes to make them more sustainable.
Fully Compostable
Packaging industries are working to introduce paper tubes with smart, fully compostable accessories. This will appeal to eco-conscious brands and contribute to zero-waste goals.
Advanced Lightweight Fibers
Tube packing is famous due to its lightweight feature, but advanced fiber engineering services are working to launch more durable and lightweight materials in the packaging industry.
Ending Note
Every brand is adapting sustainable, eco-friendly, and recyclable packaging as per the consumer’s demand and market trends. Every year, an innovation takes place supporting the green environment and reducing carbon emissions. As packaging plays a major role in a company's supply chain emissions, switching to paper tubes offers a tangible way to shrink your carbon footprint. The custom tubes by iPacku are a prominent example of sustainable and naturally safe packaging for all food or non-food products.