As the world becomes increasingly more environmentally conscious, the packaging industry is shifting its focus towards sustainability. This shift is necessitated by both public demand and the increasing pressure from regulatory agencies to reduce environmental impact.
While there are many challenges associated with this transition, there are also opportunities for companies that are able to capitalize on them!
How Much Corrugated Packaging Is Manufactured Each Year?
Roughly 100 Billion boxes are manufactured in the U.S. alone every single year, and that number is only getting bigger. With the growth of e-commerce, the packaging industry is expected to continue to grow at a rapid pace.
That's A Lot Of Packaging!
While the packaging industry has always been large, it is only recently that the environmental impact of all this packaging has come under scrutiny. With the public becoming more aware of the issues surrounding climate change and plastic pollution, there is a growing demand for sustainable packaging options.
Related: What Is FSC® Certified Material?
All of this puts more pressure on businesses to find ways to reduce waste, increase efficiencies, and lower their impact on the environment. Every company is in a race to do better, not just for marketing reasons, but to actually improve their communities.
Table Of Contents
How Much Corrugated Packaging Is Manufactured Each Year? How Big Is The Corrugated Packaging Market? The Impact of Packaging on the Environment How Recyclable Is Corrugated Packaging? What Is Being Done To Improve Sustainability? What Can My Business To Do Use Sustainable Packaging? What Does The Future Hold? Bennett Creates Sustainable Packaging!
How Big Is The Corrugated Packaging Market?
The market is currently valued around $276.52 Billion, and is predicted to reach $380.8 Billion in 2030. That's due in large part to the increase in e-commerce and the need for shipping parcels. And with the continued focus on sustainability, that number is only going to grow.
Consumers are the drivers of the market thanks to their shifting demands. Buyers are now looking for sustainable, recycled, and compostable packaging options. This means that companies need to find ways to meet these demands without sacrificing quality or performance.
The Impact of Packaging on the Environment
It's estimated that about 20.8% of all waste in landfills is composed of corrugated packaging materials. Thankfully, corrugated can typically break down anywhere between 3-7 years. Making it one of the most environmentally friendly packaging solutions after manufacturing.
But, the production of packaging requires large amounts of energy and resources, which can have a negative impact on the environment. So it's up to corrugated manufacturers to create better facilities, invest in better machines, and find ways to help reduce their impact.
How Recyclable Is Corrugated Packaging?
Thanks to the dedication of everyone in the supply chain of corrugated packaging, it is one of the most sustainable solutions you can use. Everything from the trees being planted in sourced forests, to the recycling of corrugated that extends its lifecycle.
In fact, corrugated packaging has one of the best maintained supply chains in all packaging ecosystems.
- Paper mills have regularly maintained forests to always be able to replenish their supply.
- Corrugated boxes are the largest single product of recycled paperboard.
- Almost all corrugated packaging has some amount of recycled paper material.
- Some corrugated packaging is made of up to 100% Certified Recycled Paper Material.
- Around 80% of all U.S. paper mills use at least some recycled fibers to make paper products.
Corrugated cardboard packaging can be recycled 36 times before the fibers are too loose to use again.
What Is Being Done To Improve Sustainability?
The corrugated packaging industry is working hard to find ways to improve their sustainability. From using recycled materials, to investing in new technologies that reduce their impact.
Here are some of the things they're doing:
1. Finding ways to use less energy in the manufacturing process.
2. Transitioning to using more recycled paper materials with the push from businesses.
3. Investing in machinery that produces less waste.
4. Partnering with forestry organizations to source sustainable materials
5. Working with local governments to create recycling programs
6. Pushing customers to use Digital Printing instead of other methods that create more waste.
What Can My Business To Do Use Sustainable Packaging?
If your customers are pushing you for more sustainable packaging options, or if you're looking to get ahead of the curve, here are a few things to keep in mind:
The first thing to consider is the material your packaging is made from. There are many sustainable options available, including recycled paper, bamboo, and even biodegradable plastic. You'll need to weigh the pros and cons of each material to decide which is best for your company.
Secondly, you'll need to think about the design of your packaging. Sustainable packaging should be easy to open and close, use minimal materials, and be recyclable or compostable. Keep these factors in mind when redesigning your packaging!
Finally, consider the manufacturing process of your packaging. Can you make changes to reduce your carbon footprint? Are there ways to use less water or energy in the production process? These are all important factors to consider when making your packaging more sustainable.
Making your packaging more sustainable doesn't have to be difficult! By keeping these things in mind, you can make a big impact with relatively small changes. So get started today and see how easy it can be to go green!
Related: Top 10 Tips To Make Your Packaging More Sustainable
What Does The Future Hold?
The future of sustainability in the packaging industry looks bright! As public awareness continues to grow, so does the pressure on businesses to change their practices. This is good news for the environment, and it creates opportunities for companies that are committed to sustainable practices.
We can expect to see more investments in sustainable technologies, an increase in the use of recycled materials, and a shift towards digital printing. This will all help to reduce the impact of packaging on the environment, and create a more sustainable future for everyone.
Consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable, recycled, and compostable packaging options, which means that companies need to find ways to meet these demands without sacrificing quality or performance. The production of packaging requires large amounts of energy and resources, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
Consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable, recycled, and compostable packaging options.
Bennett Creates Sustainable Packaging!
This is a very exciting time for the packaging industry as we shift our focus towards sustainability. We are seeing more and more companies looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact, and this is having a major impact on the way we design and manufacture packaging.
As the world becomes more and more environmentally conscious, businesses are starting to see the importance of sustainable packaging. Corrugated cardboard is one of the most sustainable packaging materials available, thanks to its ability to be recycled and sourced from sustainably managed forests.
The corrugated packaging industry is working hard to find ways to improve their sustainability, and we can expect to see more innovations in this area in the future. If you're looking for a more sustainable option for your business, contact Bennett today to learn how we can help you create more sustainable packaging that doesn't sacrifice quality or performance.
