PaperWise makes it easier for your company to switch to sustainable paper and packaging materials.
What is sustainable packaging?
But what actually distinguishes sustainable packaging from conventional packaging materials? Non-sustainable, non-circular materials are often used in regular packaging. Paper for which trees are cut down, plastic that is made from petroleum. Finite resources, of which we already have too few, while there are so many other possibilities.
This is out of date and we do things differently. We convert natural material that would otherwise be thrown away and burned into high-quality packaging for your products. The products are protected so that their quality is preserved and they have a longer shelf life. And the consumer sees that your company has sustainability high on its agenda.
Eco friendly packaging made of paperboard and paper based on agricultural waste
PaperWise manufactures packaging from paperboard and/or paper depending on the application. Some products need protection from mechanical impact (such as bumps and shocks during transport) and can use the thickness of paperboard well. Our boxes and cartons are available in a variety of sizes and can be printed as desired.
We also supply paper in various thicknesses. This is suitable, for example, for wrapping and packaging products in stores, cafes and at the market. With a grease- and moisture-resistant coating, customers are assured that their food comes out just as tasty as it went in, without dirt on their hands or in their bags. Furthermore, paper is used as inner packaging (inlay) that protects your products when shipped.
Why sustainable packaging?
Sustainability has become increasingly important in recent years and this trend is not going to diminish for the foreseeable future. Consumers are increasingly aware that their choices have an impact on the earth and that each individual can do his or her part to make the world a more sustainable place. People therefore use less and less plastic and pay attention to labels that guarantee that an item causes as little damage to the world as possible and has the greatest possible positive impact.
Brands that appeal to conscious consumers are leading the way in switching to sustainable paper and packaging. For example, most people now know that conventional paper leads to deforestation and that plastic packaging and disposables are responsible for the plastic “soup” in the ocean and deaths of birds and marine animals.
What is the most sustainable eco friendly packaging material?
Consumers will be happy to see our logo on your materials. Our revolutionary paper and packaging material is in fact made from agricultural waste. More specifically, agricultural waste from developing countries, where it is a major problem and crying out for an environmentally friendly application. In our view, this is the most sustainable packaging material currently available to organizations, institutions and companies.
In the crops grown by agriculture worldwide, such as rice, wheat, barley, corn, hemp and sugar cane, only 20 percent of the plant is used. The other 80 percent, the stems and leaves, are considered waste. This waste is burned: in Europe in power plants, but in many places in countries outside the EU also in the open air. This is obviously not good for the environment, as valuable raw materials are lost in combustion and a lot of smog in the form of smoke and CO2 is released in the open.
However, the factories that produce PaperWise buy this ‘waste’ and give it a new life by turning it into paper and packaging material. This way, three birds with one stone are killed: farmers in developing countries get more income, less waste is burned and we can offer you a sustainable product.
We use this agricultural waste to make various products, ranging from high-quality paper for magazines, books and printed matter to packaging material for cosmetics, soap and jewelry, but also cups, carrier bags and packaging for vegetables, fruit and trays for French fries and snacks. In all these applications we ensure that our paper and board are of the highest quality and suitable for all purposes for which you used to use regular paper and board.
No impairment of quality or appearance
Some people still think that sustainable and environmentally conscious are synonyms for old-fashioned, boring and “hippie” design, or that sustainable alternatives to disposable plastic in the hospitality industry leak or become limp with use. However, this need not be the case!
Our material is not inferior to less sustainable alternatives in quality and capabilities. We can make plant-based paper and board that is grease and moisture resistant, providing a full alternative to plastic packaging. In this way you can make your business more sustainable without compromising on quality or applicability. From French fries to a healthy sandwich and from cheese to cookies, it can all be packed in PaperWise’s grease-resistant material.
PaperWise as a sparring partner for eco friendly boxes
We understand the tricky position that companies and organizations, including supermarkets, retailers, governments, production sites and offices find themselves in. On the one hand, more and more consumers want to see sustainable packaging. On the other hand, consumers are still insufficiently aware of the usefulness and added value of packaging, particularly in terms of logistics, freshness and shelf life (preventing food waste), hygiene and food safety. In a nutshell, consumers want to see more green packaging, but do not want to sacrifice on benefits of packaging.
Furthermore, it is important not to lose sight of appeal and ease of use from a marketing perspective. PaperWise packaging is excellent for printing. Our packaging board is unbleached light brown in color, which has a natural look and feel and on which print colors come across clearly and vividly in any design. When your company chooses packaging from PaperWise, we tailor the material we produce to your requirements in terms of size, paper weight, etc. PaperWise board gives your brand the sustainable and quality look it deserves.
For example, several cosmetics brands have already chosen PaperWise. Not only do we tailor our product specifically to customer needs, but we also offer extensive sales support and provide sales training to your sales force so that you can be sure you’ll more than get your investment back. Of course, costs are also a factor. PaperWise makes sustainable packaging affordable.
Think about the future: consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the well-being of the planet and more and more packaging is being used without cutting down trees. In time, we expect that a PaperWise label on your product will be as essential to the conscious consumer as, for example, the animal testing-free label. The consumer is also willing to pay more for this.
PaperWise works with companies of all sizes, from the local independent organic store to the largest supermarket chains in the country. All of these companies are already proudly displaying our logo as a sign of their commitment to sustainable business practices. We not only work with physical stores, but also with businesses online. Do you have a webshop and would you like to operate more sustainable? If so, please feel free to contact us to discuss the possibilities regarding packaging. We are open to all your ideas!
Below we share some examples of sustainable packaging that we have already realized for different types of customers in different industries in different countries.
Examples of eco friendly boxes for stores and webshops
More and more stores and webshops (for clothing or other products) are consciously opting for sustainable shipping boxes and bags from PaperWise.
Sustainable letterbox sized postal packaging for packing and shipping online orders.
Sustainable paper bags for packing store purchases.
Sustainable branded envelopes for packing online orders.
Step by step guide: I want eco friendly boxes. How do I go about it?
Are you looking for a sustainable packaging for a new product? Or are you looking for more sustainable packaging for an existing product? Follow these steps to get a good result.
1. What logistical characteristics must eco friendly boxes meet?
Think about logistical protection, but also how the product will be presented in your store. Does the packaging need to be stackable? Can it stand upright? Can it be hung? Is a transparent window important to your sustainable packaging? How much weight does the packaging need to be able to support? Ask yourself all these questions and make a list.
2. Does the eco friendly box need preservation features for shelf life?
Cookies are greasy, tea should not lose its flavors, and coffee needs to be packaged airtight. Candy, groceries and bread are often packaged with low oxygen. Are you looking for sustainable packaging that is grease-, oxygen-, moisture- and/or leak-proof? What preservation features are important for your sustainable packaging? Make a list of the essential preservation properties for your sustainable packaging.
3. How strong should your eco friendly box be?
It is important that the bottom or handles do not tear out of the sustainable packaging, that screwdrivers, knives, or other sharp objects cannot penetrate the packaging, and that the packaging does not break when touched. The bending and tensile strength of sustainable packaging is therefore very important. The characteristics of the product you want to package will determine what type of sustainable packaging material you need. Take inventory of all your needs and coordinate with us.
4. How well do colors and shapes show up in eco friendly boxes?
If the packaging is met with rejection and negatively impacts sales, we can safely say it’s not a sustainable packaging, right? So, the sustainable packaging should contribute to the success of your brand or product. The sustainable packaging must have a positive impact. Colors, photos and images must be able to be printed crisply on the sustainable packaging. But what about the shape? Curves, folds, flaps, windows, and even seals or tamper-evident closures are possible. We are happy to share our knowledge and experience to work with you to create the best possible creation.
5. How much do eco friendly boxes cost?
The price of eco friendly boxes is obviously very important. Does the price fit into the set budget? In many cases, the price of the packaging is only a small part of the retail price. On average sustainable packaging in a supermarket costs only a few cents. As with all products, the price of sustainable packaging is determined by size, weight, printing, specific characteristics and production run. Everyone understands that 2 million packs are cheaper than 500 packs. We receive feedback from customers that the additional cost of our sustainable packaging is relatively low compared to normal non-sustainable packaging. In some cases, our sustainable packaging is even cheaper. At this point, we cannot answer how the price of sustainable packaging will affect your product or brand. However, we are happy to help you find the best packaging company to make your sustainable packaging a reality.
We are happy to assist you on your way to sustainability
Would you like to receive samples? Do you have any questions? Contact us today to discuss all the options for your brand, product or organization at no cost or obligation.