With plastic contributing to millions of tons of non-biodegradable waste every single year, this resilient material may be quick and convenient to manufacture – but it’s certainly taking its toll on our planet. Not only is plastic waste, and other types that don’t decompose affecting our environment, but they are also responsible for killings hundreds of thousands of animals annually, not to mention being capable of lasting for centuries before even coming close to breaking down. These are just a few reasons why manufacturers are choosing to switch to a cleaner, greener alternative.
Why is Plastic Waste So Dangerous?
From the rings that hold cans of beverages together making their way around necks and into stomachs of animals, right through to wet wipes that can cause blockages and even plastic bottles that can cause damage to flora and fauna alike – products that use non-biodegradable materials are a hazard to the world. Plastic is also entirely waterproof and resilient enough to ignore UV rays and other factors that would typically break down the composition of a material over time.
Fortunately, the battle is not yet over and thanks to the ground-breaking packaging solutions provided by companies such as carccu.com it’s never been easier to make the switch to a better alternative.
What Is This Alternative?
In most cases, alternative packaging relates to the types that rely on biodegradable materials. These variants often source the items that go into their construction from renewable or recycled resources, making them doubly beneficial to the environment, as they will breakdown unused waste and then turn it into a fully functional packaging option.
How Is This Beneficial?
With so much waste in the world, it can be easy to allow it to sit there and ignore it. The harsh reality, however, is that no matter how much we stare, materials like plastic simply won’t ever rot. This is why packaging companies try to offer a solution, by harvesting these wasted items and then recycling them into a more functional alternative.
The same goes for paper, cardboard, tape and many other materials that can be transformed. Those that can’t can be used as supplementary components within packaging, with the end goal being to reduce waste, whilst providing a greener option for those in need of packaging supplies.
What Sort of Packaging is Available?
This will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but in general, packaging that is produced is available in the form of bags, boxes, takeaway containers and more. Bags will often come with handles, but can be found without, and as they are constructed using paper, they are often designed to be as resilient as plastic bags, if not even more durable depending on the GSM (which is the thickness of each sheet used).
There are also options to customise packaging as well, meaning that if a business wants to make the switch from traditional to greener packaging, they can do so and still have their logo, slogan, or imagery featured on the packaging. As these products are designed to be disposable without affecting the environment, the business owner can rest assured that even if one of their bags makes its way onto a street, it will decompose when exposed to water and the elements in general.
Is All of this Packaging Biodegradable?
By design yes, but that doesn’t mean that it will fall apart after the first use. There are stronger, more durable options that can be re-used time and time again, and there are other materials that can be used, such as organic string that can last for years. Another great benefit of this type of packaging is that it can also be healthier when used to wrap certain types of food.
Food packaging in specific is typically made from plastic to provide protection from air and water, but with paper food wrapping materials now available, they can be ideal for keeping products such as fish, meat, poultry and even vegetables fresher for longer. Throw in the fact that micro-plastics are often transmitted into foods before cooking, and it will become apparent why so many are turning to a healthier alternative in the form of recyclable materials.
In an effort to help the environment and contribute to a cleaner, greener world, more and more businesses are turning to paper packaging solutions and for good reason.