Cardboard vs. Plastic

Advantages of plastic packaging to cardboard

Plastic and cardboard are both very popular packaging materials. However, the two differ from each other in manufacturing, environmental impact and how well they protect the goods they are being used for.

The advantages of plastic packaging are that they are mainly very versatile and can be used in several different areas. The packaging also facilitates transports as they are small, light, and durable. Additionally, they have a good barrier against external contamination, which is very useful in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

In comparison, cardboard packaging comes in larger and heavier sizes. A cardboard box weighs on average around 100 grams, while an equally large plastic package weighs only around 2 grams. This means that transporting goods in plastic packages can both reduce carbon dioxide emissions and be cheaper compared with cardboard boxes. Additionally, the cardboard does not provide the same protection against external stresses as plastic ones, as they can be easily affected by moisture and mold.

Plastic recycling

Plastic packages are currently manufactured largely from non-renewable, raw materials. It is therefore very important to reuse and recycle the products that are being made and used today. A single ton of plastic requires about 65-88 percent less energy to be recycled. If you compare it with producing plastic from new resources.

Unfortunately, not all plastic packages and products are being recycled today. As a consequence, new products need to be produced with added new raw materials. Thus, creating a very negative aspect for the environment and sustainability in the production process.

Therefore, we at INP, take great responsibility using up to 70% r-PET flakes for our PET-production. The advantage of using PET flakes is that, even if they are recycled, they do not affect the functionality or strength of the final product.