Paper packaging may not be the best

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 04. 25. 11:45

The environmental effects of packaging are receiving more and more attention as sustainability comes to the fore. Recent research shows that while paper packaging may be easier to recycle than plastic, both types have serious environmental impacts. According to Deutsche Welle, it is wrong to assume that paper is completely environmentally friendly, given the greenhouse gas emissions and the difficulty of recycling.

According to Tatiana Sokolova, associate professor at the Tilburg School of Economics and Management, consumers often think that paper packaging is better for the environment, but this can be misleading. According to data from the International Energy Agency, the pulp and paper industry is responsible for nearly 2% of industrial greenhouse gas emissions, which shows an increasing trend. Due to the heavier weight of paper packaging, it requires more fuel for transport, which further increases the ecological footprint. In addition, paper is often lined with plastic, which makes recycling difficult.