Cardboard is a lightweight, renewable material that helps reduce waste and promotes environmental sustainability. But brands are looking forward to alternate plant-based options that must be sustainable, reusable, and affordable. These options not only protect products during shipping but also help preserve our planet for future generations.
9 Different Alternatives to Cardboard Boxes
Consumers are also holding a special place for eco-friendly packaging materials. There are some best sustainable packaging options that are made from cardboard material. We offer a list of 9 alternative cardboard packaging materials that are also considered compostable and reusable without breaking the bank.
1. Compostable Mailers
Compostable mailers are a combination of PBAT and PLA, extracted from plant-based resources like corn and wheat straw. It is better for the environment and can help your business to stand out among the competitors.
It is a better alternative to cardboard due to its lightweight design lowers the shipping cost and reduces fuel consumption during transportation. Its composition is easier and requires less energy and time. It can be decomposed naturally and easily without any external aid without harming the environment and contributing to pollution like plastic does.
Compostable packaging is used in various sectors from food to beverage containers, labels, small office supplies, and medical devices.
2. Mushroom Packaging
Mushroom packaging is composed of an inedible part of the mushroom roots. It is a better alternative to cardboard packaging due to its maximum durability. It is grown from renewable resources and leaves no environmental impacts. It is affordable as compared to cardboard because it is manufactured from the least required part of mushrooms.
Mushroom packaging’s are used to pack candles, laptops, cameras, snacks, and coffee beans helping the environment to move towards reusable resources.
3. Cornstarch Packaging
Cornstarch packaging is made of a combination of natural polymers, corn starch, and additives that provide durability. It is a better alternative to cardboard boxes in terms of versatility as it can be customized in plenty of shapes and sizes. It is used to generate solid bottles and loose bags. It is used by e-commerce brands as a stylish packaging option for apparel and gifts.
4. Seaweed Packaging
Seaweed packaging is composed of a combination of seaweed polymers and renewable sugars and starches. It is a better cardboard box alternative because it decomposes naturally and can be shaped, molded, and designed in endless shapes. It helps reduce carbon emissions making the environment clean. Its higher cost is considered a worthwhile investment due to its plenty of uses.
It is used to store and deliver personal care products and retail items like lotion, cream, and makeup.
5. Reusable Bags
Reusable bags are made from cotton, jute, and canvas. They are strong, durable, and infinitely reusable products. It is a better alternative to cardboard boxes because it can be reused multiple times and is a sustainable packaging. It seems expensive than plastic bags but they last much longer and do not require an additional purchase.
It is perfect for a wide range of applications from carrying groceries, to books, to clothes. The straps on them make the transportation easy from one place to another.
6. Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is composed of polyethylene plastic which is a lightweight packaging material. These are designed with air-filled bubbles to provide cushioning, making it an attractive choice for transportation and transit. It is primarily used to secure and protect delicate items during shipping. Bubble wraps allow you to wrap items of different sizes and shapes with ease while preventing damage and breakage. These are easy to assemble, reducing the shipping cost and overall minimizing the weight of the package.
7. Molded Pulp Packaging
Molded pulp packaging is composed of recycled paper and natural fibers making it an excellent choice as a sustainable and reusable packaging. It is a better alternative to cardboard because it leaves zero carbon footprints. It is molded into accurate dimensions to provide a snug fit and custom inserts can be made to ensure safe deliveries.
It provides protective packaging for laptops and delicate devices, It is used as egg trays and is ideal for bakery items.
8. Vacuum Bags
Vacuum bags are composed of durable plastic and airtight seals. It is a better alternative to cardboard as compared to other packaging because it provides a long-lasting shield from moisture, mold, and pests. Its reliable material can be used multiple times making it cost-effective.
Vacuum bags are used during travel, used to preserve food items, especially meat, fruits and meat. It keeps coffee, snacks, and grains fresh for a long duration.
9. Paperboard Boxes
Paperboard boxes are thicker and smoother sheets of paper, making them perfect for high-quality printing. They are a better cardboard box alternative for allowing multiple customization options as per consumers’ choices and requirements. These boxes are damage-resistant and moisture-proof, ensuring safe deliveries. These are easy to assemble controlling cost effectiveness.
Paperboard boxes are used to pack food, cosmetics, and consumer goods.
Why Cardboard Boxes are Expensive?
Cardboard boxes are widely used but are expensive for several reasons. They are made from raw materials that require significant time and effort to process, while the supply chain demands faster and more efficient production. If any delay takes place, it becomes hard and expensive to get cardboard packaging. Increasing demand for cardboard boxes by brands preferring eco-friendly packaging materials in high prices. In addition, cardboard requires proper cutting and designing which increases the price, also transportation makes the packaging more expensive.
What are the different types of cardboard boxes?
Cardboard is a versatile material in terms of thickness, shape, and form. Corrugated cardboard is the most common type, which is made from fluted sheets to provide extra protection and cushioning. It is used to pack delicate items to prevent jolts and bumps during shipment. Paperboard is an extremely thin type of cardboard used to compose tissue rolls and cereal boxes. Matboard is thick comparatively and is used to design frames.
What are the uses of cardboard boxes?
Cardboard has many uses mentioned below:
- It is used to store and protect various items such as office supplies, food items, jewelry, and craft products.
- Cardboard boxes as organized make things look neat and clean. Custom inserts will add more space and shape into the box.
- Turn cardboard boxes into an art piece such as making home decor and wall decorations.
- Corrugated cardboard is strong enough to hold a puppy so you can reuse your boxes as Dog House.
- Cardboard is a sturdy and durable material, making it ideal for use as a storage box. It can be used to store items such as toys, games, and clothes.
Where to get cardboard boxes?
With an increasing demand for sustainable packaging, many brands are looking for reliable and trustworthy options for packaging made from quality material. Box Agency offers custom cardboard boxes without compromising the quality. They are facilitating different sizes, shapes, and colors with high-quality printing and modern finishings. Our eco-friendly boxes are custom-tailored as per your demand. Our team of experts and professional designers will work with you to ensure your brand must stand out in the competitive market.
