PLASTIC
Typically made using petroleum-based polymers like polyethylene (PET), polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS).
These chemical structures are known for their durability and resistance to moisture, as well as how easy they are to produce, making them suitable for various applications.
PLASTIC
Plastic packaging is often non-biodegradable, which means it can persist in the environment for hundreds of years without decomposing.
While some newer types of plastic packaging can be recyclable, the recyclability of specific types can vary from state-to-state, making the process confusing and frankly, an annoyance for consumers.
Because recycling correctly can pose such an everyday challenge, many of these recyclable plastics end up in the trash, where they’re then shipped to landfills to sit forever.
PLASTIC
As we all know, plastic packaging contributes significantly to plastic pollution, harming ecosystems, wildlife, and marine life.
The production process also releases greenhouse gases, and inefficiencies in our recycling infrastructures mean even more carbon burned to ship the materials, sometimes across the globe.
The main benefits of alternative packaging can be broken into three pieces:
1) Material composition
2) Biodegradability & recyclability
3) Overall environmental impact
FIBER
Generally harvested from natural materials such as paperboard, cardboard, bagasse (sugarcane fiber), or, in PFP’s case, wheat fiber.
Recent advancements in fiber packaging technology have vastly improved durability and functionality, making it a truly viable alternative for many applications.
BIODEGRADABILITY & RECYCLABILITY
FIBER
Fiber packaging products are generally biodegradable and compostable, meaning they will break down naturally and eventually compost over time.
Additionally, unlike plastics, many fiber materials are recyclable, supporting circular economy initiatives.
For this reason, household companies like General Mills and McDonald’s have vowed to make 100% of their packaged products sourced from renewable, recycled or certified sources by 2030 and 2025, respectively.
OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
FIBER
Fiber packaging carries a lower environmental impact due to its renewable source and biodegradability.
Using fiber packaging wherever possible can reduce the long-term reliance on fossil fuels and “forever” chemicals while minimizing pollution in the production and disposal processes.
MATERIAL COMPOSITION
For most eco-focused business owners in the food and beverage industries, fiber packaging on its own is far from a novel concept.
There are dozens of products on the market, and most claim to be “greener”, “eco-friendly”, or otherwise preferable to plastics - which is usually true.
But at PFP, our goal is to take that understanding a step further, empowering business leaders to become their own in-house experts on key differences between the options available to them. We want to put you in control.
To do this, let’s walk through some basic questions about alternative fiber products.