Paperboard Packaging: How Sustainable it is, Strategies, and Ideas

Sustainability has become a critical focus in the packaging industry, driving companies to seek eco-friendly alternatives that reduce environmental impact. Paperboard packaging emerges as a leading solution, offering benefits such as renewability, recyclability, and versatility.

Custom paperboard boxes, especially folding cartons, allow brands to differentiate their products while adhering to sustainability goals. Moreover, advancements in paperboard technology have improved its durability and aesthetic appeal, enabling innovative packaging designs without compromising environmental benefits.

As consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company’s environmental practices, adopting paperboard packaging can increase your products’ appeal to a market that values sustainability. It can also be tailored to reflect your brand’s commitment to the environment, further enhancing customer loyalty and trust.

Through this infographic, learn the environmental advantages and practical applications of paperboard packaging. This knowledge can help your brand make informed decisions that align with customer expectations and a more sustainable future.

What is Paperboard Packaging?

Paperboard packaging is made from a lightweight, yet sturdy material derived from paper pulp. It is thicker than regular paper and designed to provide structural support for a wide range of products, from cereal boxes to cosmetic packaging.

Paperboard is typically sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that the raw materials are renewable. The manufacturing process involves pulping wood fibers, pressing them into sheets, and then drying them. This process results in a versatile material that you can easily cut, fold, and shape into various designs.

Whether aiming for simplicity or a more elaborate presentation, paperboard gives brands the flexibility to create packaging that aligns with their vision.

There are various types of paperboard packaging materials available to suit different needs. For example, solid bleached sulfate (SBS) is known for its white, smooth surface that’s perfect for high-quality printing and vibrant graphics. On the other hand, coated unbleached kraft (CUK) offers excellent strength and durability, making it ideal for heavier items like hardware or frozen foods.

4 Environmental Benefits of Paperboard Packaging

Paperboard packaging offers a host of environmental benefits that make it a smart choice for brands committed to eco-friendly practices.

1. Renewability

One of the standout features of paperboard packaging is its renewability. Sourced from sustainably managed forests, paperboard is made from wood fibers that can be replenished over time. This means you’re using a material that doesn’t deplete natural resources, allowing your brand to support forestry practices that prioritize long-term environmental health.

2. High recyclability

Recycling is a key component of sustainability, and paperboard excels in this area. With high recycling rates in the US, paperboard packaging materials can be easily processed and repurposed into new products. This recyclability reduces waste while minimizing the demand for virgin materials, potentially positioning your brand as an environmentally responsible company.

3. Biodegradability and compostability

Paperboard [is biodegradable](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/paperboard#:~:text=Paper and paperboard are renewable,used in the food industry.). If it does end up in a landfill, it breaks down naturally over time without leaving harmful residues. Some paperboard products are even compostable, adding nutrients back into the soil. This is a significant advantage over materials such as single-use plastics, which can take centuries to decompose.

4. Conservation of resources

Paperboard packaging design often emphasizes minimalism and efficiency. This means less material is used without compromising functionality or aesthetics. Efficient design conserves resources and reduces the overall environmental impact of your packaging.

Brands that integrate paperboard into their packaging strategy also participate in a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled continually. This sustainable approach benefits everyone—from manufacturers to consumers—and helps preserve the environment for future generations.

Functional and Marketing Advantages of Paperboard Packaging

Paperboard doesn’t just excel environmentally; it also offers practical benefits for your brand:

Design flexibility

With paperboard, you can create intricate shapes and designs, including unique, custom folding cartons. This flexibility allows for better branding and can improve customer experience.

Consumer appeal

Sustainability is a significant factor for today’s consumers. Using eco-friendly packaging like paperboard can boost your brand’s reputation and meet the expectations of green shoppers.

Cost-effectiveness

Paperboard is often more cost-effective than other packaging materials, such as metal or glass, due to lower material and shipping costs. Its lightweight nature means you can transport more units per shipment, reducing overall expenses.

Enhanced functionality

In some cases, combining paperboard with other materials can offer the best of both worlds. For instance, incorporating minimal plastic or metal elements into paperboard designs can improve durability without significantly increasing the environmental impact. A specific example would be adding a small plastic window to your custom paperboard boxes for customers to view the product inside, boosting visual appeal while maintaining the packaging’s overall sustainability.

Effective Paperboard Packaging: 8 Strategies and Ideas

To make the most of paperboard packaging, it’s essential to adopt innovative approaches that consider both its functionality and sustainability. The following strategies can help your brand stand out, meet consumer expectations, and contribute to a more eco-friendly future.

1. Leverage innovative paperboard packaging designs

Embracing creative paperboard packaging designs can set your products apart in a crowded market. Paperboard boxes offer versatility, allowing for intricate shapes, unique opening mechanisms, and interactive features.

For instance, a wine company might use a folding carton that unfolds into a stand, showcasing the bottle while providing information about the vineyard. This not only elevates the customer’s unboxing experience but also adds value to the product itself.

Collaborate with an experienced product packaging manufacturer to create folding cartons that align with your brand identity and encourage user engagement. Consider incorporating elements like die-cut windows, embossing, or special finishes to make your packaging stand out.

2. Customize folding cartons for brand differentiation

Custom paperboard boxes, especially folding cartons, allow you to tailor packaging to your product’s specific needs and your brand’s aesthetic. A high-end chocolate brand can opt for a tri-folding carton with magnetic closures and gold foil accents to convey luxury. Meanwhile, a skincare company might use custom folding cartons with interior printing that includes a thank-you note or instructions, adding a personal touch for customer satisfaction.

This level of customization can help your brand create memorable customer experiences that encourage repeat purchases. Work with suppliers who specialize in custom-printed folding cartons for retail to develop packaging that reflects your brand’s values and appeals to your target audience.

3. Utilize advanced paperboard materials

Advancements in paperboard packaging materials have led to stronger, more durable folding cartons that can protect a wider range of products. For example, moisture-resistant coatings can now make paperboard cartons effective packaging for frozen foods or refrigerated goods. These coatings are often biodegradable, maintaining the eco-friendly nature of paperboard.

Frozen meal companies can switch from plastic trays to coated paperboard folding cartons, reducing plastic use while maintaining product integrity.

Research and select advanced materials that offer the necessary protection for your products. Engage with material scientists or packaging engineers to explore options like grease-resistant or insulated paperboard.

4. Incorporate functional features

Adding functional features to your paperboard packaging can improve usability and customer satisfaction. Tea manufacturers use folding cartons with individual compartments for tea bags, making it easier for consumers to select and store their tea varieties. Tear strips or resealable tabs on folding cartons can also provide more convenient unboxing experiences.

Identify pain points in your current packaging and explore how specific packaging design strategies can address them. Collaborate with packaging designers to integrate these features seamlessly into your packaging.

5. Optimize through sustainable production practices

Efficiency in design and production can significantly reduce waste and packaging costs. By optimizing the layout of your paperboard packaging, you can minimize material off-cuts and streamline manufacturing processes. Techniques such as nesting multiple carton designs on a single sheet of paperboard reduce waste.

Your brand can also redesign folding cartons to be assembled without glue, using interlocking tabs instead. This strategy simplifies the assembly process and reduces the need for additional adhesives which can impede recycling.

Work with trusted carton manufacturers to analyze and improve your packaging production processes. Utilize software tools for optimizing die-cut layouts and consider adopting lean manufacturing principles.

6. Highlight sustainability in packaging and marketing efforts

Communicating the eco-friendly aspects of your paperboard packaging can boost brand perception. Integrate sustainability messaging into both your packaging design and broader marketing campaigns, and educate your sales and customer service teams to reinforce this message across all customer touchpoints.

Additionally, use on-pack messaging to inform consumers about the recyclability and renewable nature of your packaging. For instance, printing “100% recyclable packaging” or including certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo can build trust with consumers.

Many brands today leverage smart packaging technologies such as QR codes to lead consumers to a webpage detailing their sustainability initiatives and how the packaging can be recycled.

7. Implement a phased transition to paperboard packaging

Transitioning to paperboard packaging requires careful planning. Start with a pilot program for a specific product line to gather data on production, costs, and consumer response. For example, beverage companies could begin by introducing folding cartons for their premium juice line before rolling it out across all products.

Pet food brands can test paperboard cartons for their organic range, assessing factors such as shelf life, durability, and customer feedback before expanding the packaging change.

You can then develop a detailed transition plan with clear timelines, milestones, and KPIs. Lastly, monitor performance closely and be prepared to make adjustments based on real-world results.

8. Stay informed on regulatory compliance and industry standards

Packaging materials are subject to regulations concerning safety, labeling, and environmental impact. Ensure your paperboard packaging complies with all relevant laws, such as those related to food contact materials or hazardous substances. Food brands must ensure that any inks or coatings used on their folding cartons are FDA-approved for direct food contact.

Consider participating in industry associations or forums to learn about best practices and upcoming changes in standards. Consult with legal experts or compliance officers to stay up-to-date on regulations.

Driving Sustainability Through Product Packaging

As sustainability becomes a critical factor in modern business, packaging stands at the forefront of this transformation. Moving toward eco-friendly solutions is no longer an option but an expectation from consumers who value environmental responsibility.

With eco-friendly materials and forward-thinking designs, your brand can drive consumer loyalty through meaningful action. In a world where both aesthetics and sustainability matter, leveraging thoughtful packaging is a smart, future-focused strategy that delivers on all fronts.

Contact Meyers today to learn how we can tailor folding cartons to your brand’s unique needs and sustainability goals.

Meyers creates sustainable packaging and labels that help shape a better future for people, products, and the planet. Trusted by leading brands like Hormel, Ulta Beauty, and Microsoft, Meyers combines innovation with a commitment to sustainability. Contact us today to learn more.