Does paper packaging beat plastic?

Paper-based packaging. Following the recognition of the harmful environmental and social impact of plastics, paper packaging has been adopted as a sustainable and ‘eco-friendly’ alternative. Paper-based packaging has become the largest source of packaging waste in the European Union, accounting for 41.1% of packaging waste – more than plastic and glass combined. While paper packaging may seem like a sustainable solution, research has highlighted the sustainability challenges it poses. 

A report published by Profundo, a Dutch Sustainability Research Institute, warns against the misleading marketing of paper-based products as environmentally friendly. Paper and paper-based materials account for a third (33.3%) of the world's packaging, with the greatest demand coming from the food and beverage industries. According to Profundo, paper-based packaging poses a threat to the environment due to the impact of wood pulp production, the management of growing levels of paper waste, and the challenge of recycling paper-based composites and contaminated paper products.

Paper production 

Paper-based products are made of cellulose fibres derived from renewable sources such as wood pulp, recycled paper, or agricultural residues. Considered a more ‘natural’ option, 90% of all paper-based goods are made from wood pulp. A recent surge in demand for wood pulp has led to increased deforestation and environmental degradation (particularly in the global south), causing biodiversity loss. Profundo’s report reveals that paper production is responsible for 35% of all clear-felled trees globally.

Composites and add-ons

Before the advent of plastic, paper packaging offered innovative solutions for the storage and transport of confectionery and dried food. However, paper alone has limitations, so manufacturers combined paper materials with plastics, foils, and a variety of chemical additives and treatments to extend the functionality and lifespan of paper products. These additives and treatments protect the contents of paper packaging, while additions such as lamination, glue, and labelling are often key to a brand’s marketing. The incorporation of chemical additives to fulfil demand for functional, easily marketable paper packaging has led to questions around safety, particularly in relation to food contamination and the migration of chemical compounds, such as PFAS, into the environment and the human body.

Is paper really recyclable and compostable? 

Whilst most paper-based products are made from recycled materials, paper is not infinitely recyclable – it has a limited life span of 6 or 7 uses. Its biodegradability also relies on the assumption that the paper has remained in its natural state. While they are visually interesting and functional, multi-material products are harder to recycle. Once pure pulp has been contaminated, it is difficult to separate the paper from non-recyclable additives such as coated resin or plastic lamination. Also highlighted in Profundo’s report is the mounting pressure on the recycling industry to cope with increased paper waste. This results in neglect during the collection and sorting process, which is worsened by infinite combinations of paper composites that need to be sorted. As a result, many paper products will end up in the landfill, with composite products slowing their decomposition rate. 

What packaging offers a truly sustainable solution?

Paper food packaging may have significantly less negative impacts than plastic packaging, whilst still being adaptable and inexpensive, but it does not present a miracle, impact-free solution. Given the projected growth in demand for packaged food and beverages over the coming decades, a sustainable alternative to paper packaging is necessary to avoid increased waste and deforestation.

The answer

The answer is not really a choice between plastic and paper, but a shift away from single-use packaging altogether, so that packaging and other ‘throw-away’ products have a continuous lifespan rather than being used just once.

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For more information contact: info@scarabtrust.org.uk

Image: street food coffee eco-friendly packaging - Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels (ST ref: 1376)