Cardboard can be substituted with a variety of different materials, but brands are searching for alternatives that are environment-friendly and cost-effective. Traditional packaging materials are becoming boring to potential customers. Therefore, companies are making every effort to develop product packaging that is functional and exciting.
5 Alternatives to Cardboard Material
Environmentally friendly packaging material is also a favorite among consumers. Therefore, we have come up with a list of cardboard alternatives that are biodegradable and recyclable, thereby helping to protect our environment.
Corrugated Bubble Wrap
Corrugated bubble wrap is used as a protective packaging material when shipping and transporting fragile and delicate items. It consists of rows of air-filled bubbles sandwiched between two layers of corrugated cardboard, which creates a sturdy barrier that protects the product.
A corrugated bubble wrap combines the cushioning properties of traditional bubble wrap with the structural support of corrugated cardboard. Corrugated bubble wrap is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional bubble wrap.
Due to its high shock absorption and recyclable capabilities, it is a good choice for shipping fragile and valuable items while minimizing environmental impact.
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
Biodegradable packing peanuts Biodegradable packing peanuts, also known as eco-friendly packing peanuts, offer an eco-friendly alternative to Styrofoam and polystyrene. Typically, these peanuts are made from natural or renewable materials, such as cornstarch or potato starch, which are biodegradable and compostable.
These packaging peanuts break down naturally in the environment, reducing waste and harming the environment less than their non-biodegradable counterparts. They provide excellent cushioning and protection for fragile items during shipping, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the delivered items. Business owners and individuals who want to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainability can choose biodegradable packing peanuts.
That’s why cardboard is expensive. If business owners want to avoid penalties and use eco-friendly packaging, they should think about using biodegradable air peanuts.
Cornstarch Packaging
The packaging materials made from cornstarch, also known as biodegradable or compostable packaging, are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging. It is made from corn starch and is used to create bags, containers, and packaging films. Packaging made from cornstarch is biodegradable, so it naturally breaks down into non-toxic environmental components and reduces plastic pollution.
Moreover, compostable materials can be disposed of in composting systems and turned into nutrient-rich soil. There is a growing interest in cornstarch packaging due to its sustainability, as it is a renewable and biodegradable material that can reduce the environmental impact of packaging in various industries, including food service and retail.
Mushroom Packaging
Mushroom packaging is also called mycelium packaging, an eco-friendly and sustainable option. In agriculture, wastes like corn stalks and sawdust are used to cultivate mycelium, a rootlike network of fungal organisms. As mushroom packaging is biodegradable and compostable, it minimizes plastic waste and environmental impact.
Because of its versatility, it can be molded into various shapes, making it appropriate for many packaging applications, including those used for protecting fragile items, containers, and insulating materials. An innovative packaging solution such as this demonstrates our commitment to sustainable packaging.
Seaweed Packaging
Seaweed packages, which are often called edible or biodegradable seaweed packages, are an alternative to conventional plastic packaging. The packages are made from seaweed, an abundant and renewable resource. Seaweed-based packaging is growing in popularity because it is biodegradable and has a low environmental impact.
Some of it is even edible, offering a novel and sustainable way to reduce single-use plastic waste. Using seaweed packaging for food and non-food products contributes to the movement toward eco-friendly and sustainable packaging.
In my role as a senior editor at TBP, I focus on packaging & printing technique. My research endeavors are aimed at gaining more knowledge about the packaging industry.
