Just say honestly. There was never an emphasis on eco-friendly business practices until a few years back.

Before the advent of e-commerce shipping, retailers used to opt for plastic packaging only. Though this is an easy alternative for brick and mortar businesses, plastic packaging is not friendly for online establishments.

As businesses have begun to understand how much plastic can harm nature, so have consumers. Now, consumers expect businesses to use more sustainable packaging options. It doesn’t mean all businesses require to rule out plastic for shipping.

When it comes between corrugated boxes or plastic packaging, which is best for your business?

Mr. Gaurav Jalan, Founder, and Director of Packman Packaging Pvt Ltd which is Delhi/NCR’s top packaging manufacturer tells about the 2 options which one has.

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are less hazardous to the atmosphere when compared to plastic.

Corrugated boxes contain flutes, that are manufactured from recycled paper, that is laced between 2 liners. Those liners are mostly made from recycled materials.

Since cardboard breaks down totally, it is simpler to recycle and reuse.

Have a look at how sustainable corrugated boxes actually are. For every 1,000 boxes sold, one will help save nearly 19 trees, approximately 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of the landfill are, and a lot more.

Corrugated boxes are the better option for those who do not need their product perfectly fitted with packaging like a pair of shoes in a shipping box. When one customizes a corrugated box, the kraft material aid absorbs the ink lot better than it will on plastic. Your designs will appear just the way you want them. Also, you can print on any side of your custom corrugated box.

With plastic, you normally have to stick to the outer space of the packaging.

The tear-resistant ability of corrugated boxes will keep the logo or customization and product intact when in transit to your buyer. You will not have to stress over damaged plastic packaging or broken items.

So even when your box falls when in transit or accidentally gets bumped, the durable corrugated box has so strong corners it can manage a high-intensity jolt.

If one is worried about broken products, improper handling or warehouse accidents, your business will want to opt for the corrugated boxes.

Plastic Packaging

Plastic packaging is affordable and economical from a business point of view. It is a lightweight yet durable alternative for packaging and has a better shelf-life. The versatility of plastic packaging is also a big attraction for businesses.

With plastic, one can easily mold the packaging to fit the product like a pack of battery cells. Its durability also safeguards items wrapped within. If one is in need of packaging that fits the product finely or you are shipping extremely heavy-duty objects, plastic is likely your solution.

One can also, customize plastic, think of a decorative the ribbon across the plastic but this is not as easy to make or as eco-friendly.

For some businesses, custom plastic packaging will do just as good when shipping to buyers.

But if data makes you scared, be ready. Each year, more than 8 million metric tons of plastic are thrown into the oceans. This is along with the 150 million tons that already exist in the ocean currently.

By the year 2050, the United Nations foresee that there will be a higher plastic waste in the ocean than fish.

It is easy to say that plastic packaging is responsible for these large numbers. While it does take fewer energy to recycle compared to corrugated boxes, not every plastic is recyclable or biodegradable.

Conclusion

Though there is no biasedness, it is difficult to refuse that corrugated boxes are better for nature and also your business. Those multi-layered boxes are strong, reliable and customizable. Also, the customization one does choose will look better when compared to what it would look on a plastic.