Nowadays, sustainability isn’t a choice; it is a necessity, and believe it or not, packing boxes play a significant role in it. Retail and e-commerce businesses around the world are exploring new and improved packaging options to help reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener and safer ecosystem. Previously, plastic boxes were commonly utilized, but now, due to sustainability requirements, corrugated packing boxes are the superior choice. But what is the difference between the two, and how are corrugated boxes more beneficial? Let’s find out.
This article will discuss the difference between plastic and corrugated packing boxes and their environmental impact.
Plastic Boxes
Plastic boxes are lightweight, durable, and perfect for retail businesses. Why? They are ideal for long-term storage and save up on packing costs as well. Plastic packing boxes are also versatile in their application. They are available in different styles and sizes and can be used for multiple products. Moreover, businesses have the option to customize their packaging by printing their branding and altering the shape to fit their product.
However, there are significant drawbacks when it comes to plastic packing boxes, and the most impactful is their harmful effects on the environment. Plastic is made from crude oil, which is difficult to recycle and never entirely breaks down. The unrecyclable plastic material, around 8 million metric tons, is dumped into the ocean, affecting the aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, plastic manufacturing utilizes 12% of the global oil supply, which is expected to increase to upto 50% by 2050. This concludes that plastic is not a viable option despite offering long-term durability.
Pros
● They are lightweight and durable.
● They are versatile and suitable for long-term storage.
● They are waterproof and protect items from external pressure.
● They are reliable for heavy-duty transportation.
Cons
● Not all plastic is recyclable.
● They are expensive.
Corrugated Packing Boxes
Corrugated boxes are lightweight, strong, and eco-friendly. They are available in different types and sizes, such as heavy-duty, insulated, retail, or standard packing boxes. They can be used for various applications, such as storing, packing, and delivering. Corrugated packing boxes are available with or without lids and are easily stackable. They are further differentiated based on their strength and flute size. Moreover, businesses can customize their boxes, and since they are made from kraft material, they can better absorb ink and show your branding clearly.
Corrugated packing boxes are made from recycled paper and can completely break down. They help businesses achieve sustainability by reducing waste, participating in tree replanting, and responsible logging. Furthermore, their manufacturing requires minimal raw materials. For instance, approximately 150 corrugated cardboard boxes can be made from a single tree.
Pros
● They are lightweight and eco-friendly.
● They are available in multiple types and sizes and are differentiated based on width, height, and strength.
● They are tear-resistant.
● They are easy to label and seal and are cost-effective.
● They reduce freight charges due to their lightweight nature.
Cons
● They are not suitable for heavy-duty delivery.
● Additional packing supplies, such as packing tape, bubble wrap, etc., are required to deliver products safely.
Conclusion
It is obvious why corrugated packing boxes are the ideal choice for businesses. They are versatile, cost-effective, and eco-friendly, all required for reliable and sustainable packaging. We hope this article helped!
