Packaging plays a critical role in not only protecting products but also shaping how consumers perceive them. Paperboard packaging, in particular, has earned its place as a versatile, sustainable solution for industries ranging from food and beverage to healthcare and luxury goods. Yet, despite its widespread use and numerous benefits, misconceptions about its durability, environmental impact, and design potential persist. Before dismissing paperboard as an option, it’s essential to understand its true capabilities and the advantages it offers over other materials.
It Isn’t Durable Enough
If you take its name at face value, paperboard might appear too flimsy to adequately protect delicate or heavy items. In reality, this material is highly robust and is commonly used across almost every sector. Paperboard is available in various substrates, grades, and thicknesses, making it a suitable solution for numerous applications. Popular types of paperboard include Clay Coated Newsback (CCN), Uncoated Unbleached Kraft (UUK), Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS), and Coated Natural Kraft (CNK). Coatings improve moisture and bacteria resistance, allowing paperboard packaging solutions to perform well in environments like refrigerated storage or shipping, where exposure is possible.
It’s Not Very Environmentally Friendly
Though paperboard is made from renewable resources like wood pulp and recycled paper, some may worry about its environmental impact. Some of these concerns include potential deforestation and waste generation. However, paperboard is actually one of the most sustainable packaging materials available. Most paperboard material is sourced from sustainably managed forests or recycled newspapers. Roughly 68% of paper and paperboard is recycled, which marks the highest rate among materials in municipal solid waste. These efforts significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions; the 46 million tons recycled is equivalent to removing more than 33 million cars from the road for a year. Additionally, paper and paperboard make up about 12% of energy-recovered waste. During energy recovery, materials that can’t be recycled are converted into usable energy like fuel, electricity, and heat.
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It Can’t Offer High-End Luxury Design
There’s a perception that paperboard boxes and folding cartons don’t deliver the “wow” factor that other materials like metal, glass, and leather do for luxury brands. But with good design, paperboard can deliver a premium experience for shoppers. Paperboard substrates are ideal for custom-printed graphics and a range of vibrant colors. Plus, techniques like embossing, debossing, and foil stamping further transform paperboard into visually striking packaging. Paperboard also lends itself to the minimalist design techniques trending this year. Consumers are also attracted to brands with a focus on sustainability, including luxury names. A recent study suggests that 82% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging and 71% have even purchased particular products based on a brand’s sustainability credentials.
It’s Not Versatile
It’s easy to assume paperboard packaging only comes in standard shapes and sizes. In truth, the material is one of the most versatile on the market. Using die-cuts, manufacturers can create intricate shapes and folds that transform into containers of any size. Paperboard is also flat and takes in ink well, supporting vibrant, true-to-color graphics and designs to meet even the most complex branding requirements. The material is so adaptable that industries from food to beauty to medical use paperboard in primary and secondary packaging applications.
It Can’t Compete With Plastic
Plastic is often seen as a cheaper, more multifunctional material than paperboard. Initial material costs vary, but paperboard is generally considered one of the most cost-effective packaging materials, similar to plastic. It’s the long-term benefits where paperboard has an edge. Because the material is lightweight and foldable, paperboard usually helps lower shipping costs. Many brands have even phased out plastic packaging in favor of paperboard as they work toward sustainability goals.