Packaging School & AICC: Intersection of the Circular Economy and "Paperization" in Corrugated Packaging

Our very own Dr. Suggs and Alli Keigley write in a feature of BoxScore by AICC.

The article covers how trends in the circular economy and "paperization" are merging to drive innovation and influence how brands approach sustainable packaging efforts, expanding on a convo that Dr. Suggs had with Olga Kachook, director of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC).

Dr. Suggs states:

"One exciting development in the paperization movement is the growing range of paper-based alternatives to traditionally plastic-heavy packaging formats. When talking with Kachook, we discussed the increasing availability of 100% fiber-based versions of packaging, formats once considered plastic-only such as pouches, candy bar wrappers, and blister packs. These innovations are not just a trend; they are a fundamental shift in how the industry is approaching packaging.

At the same time, the industry is exploring new materials and fibers that go beyond traditional wood sources. Nonwood fibers such as sugarcane, hemp, bamboo, and wheat straw are gaining traction as viable alternatives for paper and packaging production. However, there are some common misconceptions about these nonwood fibers. For instance, many people believe alternative fibers automatically save trees, but shifting from wood fibers could inadvertently divert resources from forest conservation efforts."

Read the full publication here: https://now.aiccbox.org/intersection-of-the-circular-economy-and-paperization-is-the-future-of-corrugated-packaging/