Print and the Environment

Packaging (Paperboard vs. Plastic)

There are many advantages to paperboard - just take recycling and recovery, as an example. Over 60% of paperboard used in the US is recycled - and over 60% of communities in the US offer a paper recovery program. That is not the case for plastics - even though there is a recycling classification system, only a minority of municipalities actually offer recycling programs - a recycling program doesn't mean there is necessarily a recovery program in effect. That's the reason why paperboard packaging is considered recyclable - and there is a free logo for download when you click here.

Sustainability in Packaging: How is this defined today?
Presented by Janet Congdon, this PDF provides a solid overview of what sustainability in packaging means and the recyclability of different material types. Please note that the metrics used for comparison purposes in 2007 are currently in the process of being updated by the GPP (Global Packaging Project).
 
Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC)
The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) provides a lot of information in this area - and many of the links below are referencing their website as a third party resource. Heidelberg is a corporate member of the PPC.

• Learn more about sustainable packaging solutions by clicking here .

• Do you know the advantages of paperboard packaging? Click here for a "Why Paperboard" section found on PPC's website.

• Click here for a comparison of Paperboard and Plastic Packaging Solutions.