Author: Trademagazin
Date: 25/04/2024 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, the assumption that paper is completely environmentally friendly is wrong, given its 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.
The production of plastic packaging involves significant greenhouse gas emissions, and less than 10% is recycled. Waste exported to countries in the Global South causes additional problems, and chemical contamination is a concern. Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth points out that different polymers require different recycling processes, further complicating the situation. Bioplastics may result in lower carbon dioxide emissions, but they may contain dangerous chemicals.
According to expert Llorenc Mila i Canals, the key to moving towards sustainability is to reduce single-use packaging materials and prioritize reusable alternatives. The real goal would be to minimize or completely avoid single-use products.
In summary, it is not clear whether paper or plastic packaging is the better choice from an environmental point of view. Consumers must consciously reduce the ecological footprint of their packaging materials and prioritize reusability. This is the only way to achieve a more sustainable future, where we minimize environmental impacts and better protect natural resources.
