By BCI
6 September 2024Styrofoam, a brand name for expanded polystyrene (EPS), has been a go-to material for packaging for decades. It is lightweight, provides excellent insulation, and offers significant protection for products during transit. However, its environmental impact is increasingly difficult to ignore.
Styrofoam is not biodegradable, often ending up in landfills or oceans where it takes hundreds of years to break down. It is also challenging to recycle, with most recycling facilities refusing to process it due to contamination concerns and the cost of recycling.
The harmful effects of Styrofoam extend beyond its inability to decompose. During its production, it releases harmful chemicals, including styrene, which is classified as a potential human carcinogen. The environmental toll, combined with increasing regulatory pressures, has led businesses to seek more sustainable alternatives.
Unlike Styrofoam, corrugated boxes can be customized inside to extend the customer experience beyond the purchase and protect the product in the supply chain.
Here is where corrugated packaging provides a great advantage. Made from renewable resources, primarily paper pulp, corrugated packaging is both recyclable and biodegradable. Unlike Styrofoam, which can linger in the environment for years, corrugated materials break down quickly, reducing the packagingâs environmental footprint.
One of the critical advantages of corrugated packaging is its recyclability. In the United States alone, the recycling rate for corrugated boxes hovers around 90%, according to Statista, making it one of the most recycled materials globally. This high rate is not just a testament to the materialâs sustainability but also a reflection of the ease with which it can be recycled. Corrugated packaging can be recycled multiple times, further reducing the need for virgin materials and conserving natural resources.
Biodegradability is another significant benefit. Should corrugated packaging find its way into the environment, it will decompose naturally, unlike Styrofoam. This feature makes corrugated packaging an attractive option for companies looking to minimize their environmental impact and align with consumer expectations for sustainable practices.
In addition to its environmental and protective advantages, corrugated packaging offers cost benefits that make it a practical alternative to Styrofoam. The raw materials for corrugated packaging are generally less expensive than those required for Styrofoam, and the manufacturing process is often more energy efficient. Furthermore, the high recyclability of corrugated packaging can lead to reduced waste disposal costs and even generate revenue through recycling programs.
Businesses that switch to corrugated packaging may also see indirect cost savings through improved brand reputation. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they are more likely to support brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. By adopting corrugated packaging, companies can enhance their public image and attract eco-conscious consumers, potentially leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.
At Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. (BCI), we recognize that designing the right corrugated box involves more than simply choosing a substrate. Itâs about partnering with a corrugated manufacturer that has insight into your industry and provides customized solutions to prosper from the beginning of your supply chain until the customer receives your products.
Our custom corrugated boxes can be graphically and structurally designed and manufactured in an infinite variety of sizes, flute types, board weights, and printing options. Our knowledgeable team is available to assist you in building the perfect box for your specific product and supply chain.
Contact BCIÂ today, and letâs create the ideal corrugated box solution for your products.
