Packaging materials

Packaging is usually the last step before delivery to the end customer and is very important the goods arrive undamaged. It is also important to consider the type of packaging materials that are best suited for the product itself but also to reduce transport costs as much as possible.

Plastic vs. cardboard - packaging materials

Plastic packaging currently has an advantage over cardboard because it is much lighter, shock-resistant and has a natural barrier against moisture and mold. The properties therefore make it possible to transport goods that are fragile to external factors and stresses. Cardboard packaging does simply not have the same protection as plastic.

They also require a hefty amount of water in order to be recycled. A con of recycling cardboard packages is that they cannot be recycled if the packaging has been contaminated. Of course, plastic packaging also have a big impact on the environment as they are created from fossil fuels, but they are much easier to recycle and do not lose their properties in the process.

Plastics used as packaging materials - advantages

Versatile and cost-effective

Plastic products can be adapted to the goods they are intended to store in a completely different way than cardboard. When packaging goods for store display, for example, trays can be designed according to the products they are to contain. This makes both packaging and shipping easier, but the products also become more easily accessible and visible. Plastic itself is also the cheapest packaging material and is easy to produce on a large scale.

Lightweight

A cardboard package can weigh around 100g, while a similar plastic package only weighs around 2g. Hence, the packaging absorbs less plastic during transport, and the transports become lighter, contributing to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Reusable

The products can be used for a long time, without being damaged in the same way as a cardboard package. Plastic packaging also has a better resistance to external stresses. A plastic package that falls to the ground seldom takes much damage, and for this reason can also be reused several times before it is recycled.