Be Green and Save Green – At the Same Time!
The introduction of plastic in the 20th century sparked its popularity that remains today. However, this vastly prevalent material can be quite harmful to our planet. In fact – The UN Environment Programme estimates that roughly 7 billion tons of the 9.2 billion tons of plastic produced between 1950 and 2017 were converted to plastic garbage and submerged in our oceans or delivered to landfills.
One common use case for plastics are packaging business-to-business or business-to-consumer goods. Considering that the U.S. parcel shipping volume reached 21.6 billion in 2021, this can mean a lot of plastic, Styrofoam, and other packaging materials destined for landfills.
We can all understand the importance of overseeing actions that impact the earth’s air and foundation. With this mission in mind, Keiding utilizes molded pulp packaging services to help businesses ship products safely and responsibly.
Tracing back to its initial patent in 1903, molded fiber packaging was a niche product used mainly for floral containers and packing eggs until the past few decades. That’s when molded pulp infiltrated the packaging industry to provide an innovative solution that can “mold” to the needs of any product. It is made from recycled materials that are mixed with water, to create a slurry that can form various shapes. Molded pulp also holds up to 100lbs of product, making this a simple and durable packaging alternative that can work for any business. Likewise, the Grand Review Research discovered that pulp is declining in price due to its high place in revenue shares. Additionally, the rate of recycling has increased to 70%, showing how this eco-friendly solution can have positive impacts on the environment.
Keiding’s molded pulp packaging meets the needs of various industries. It is well-suited for industrial requirements, whether it be for a pump, motor, gear box, actuator, or other industrial equipment. On the other hand, molded pulp is also perfect for household items and electronics alike. With it being stackable, having the unique ability to mold to a product, and being made from recycled materials, there is no other packaging solution on the market like molded pulp. And in the hands of our inventive team, the possibilities are endless.
Now that we’ve discussed the advantages of molded pulp packaging and the urgent need to utilize such material, how does it compare to alternatives?
Plastic and Bubble Wrap Packaging
There is also no biodegradable feature to these alternatives, making them very harmful to the environment. A substantial amount of this packaging plastic ends up in our oceans and landfills. In fact, by 2040, the PEW predicts that 29 million pounds of plastic will reach the ocean. The animals and quality of water are already being negatively impacted. These are staggering numbers that should not be ignored, so it is important to evaluate your packaging practices closely.
Hexacomb and Foil-Sealed Packaging
Both of these packaging materials are made from kraft paper. Kraft paper lowers manufacturing costs and is made with less bleaching, allowing this to be a sustainable option in the packaging industry. Hexacomb packaging is usually used for furniture and even glass, while foil-sealed packaging is used as an alternative to Ziploc bags for food. Because molded pulp is strong in every direction and is lighter in weight, Keiding finds this a more viable option compared to Hexacomb and foiled sealed packaging.
The Value of Eco-Friendly Packaging
Another consideration to unravel is to ask yourself, “What do I need to have a successful rollout of products and establish a valued brand?” These questions are difficult to answer, they take time to find your customer base and see what packaging features are needed for your product. For example, is your packaging for food? Does it need to be tightly sealed? Is the product extremely fragile, or is it sturdy? This thought process will lead you to make a well-informed decision that is both beneficial for you and the environment. Keiding’s team can work with you to find the best packaging solution for you, and to help you to make the proper risk assessment. Making a positive environmental input is wonderful, but it is even better if your customers can see your passion. Coupled with this analysis, molded pulp packaging is cost-effective, as there are no long-term high associated labor costs with this solution. Want to unpack this packaging solution with specialized experts? Contact us here for more information.