Sustainable packaging has become a buzzword in recent years, championed by brands and consumers alike as a way to reduce environmental damage. Moving away from paper-based materials and towards biodegradable alternatives seems like a step in the right direction.

But beneath the surface lies a more complex reality. While these alternatives may seem green at first glance, they have their own environmental consequences.

The push for sustainability, if not carefully considered, can lead to unforeseen drawbacks that ultimately undermine its purpose.

The hidden carbon footprint of paper packaging

One of the most popular alternatives to plastic is paper packaging. The logic seems to be right – paper is biodegradable, recyclable and comes from renewable resources.

However, the environmental costs of paper production are often overlooked. Compared to plastic, paper packaging requires significantly more energy and water to produce.

A 2020 study published in Journal of Cleaner Production highlighted that paper bags require at least four times more energy to produce than plastic bags, with the added problem of increased greenhouse gas emissions during production. (Oumar Fofana, iniac on packaging-gateway.com)