How Paper Packaging Effectively Helps Protect the Environment

Due to the growing concerns for environmental protection, sustainable packaging as a form of packaging that serves the purpose of helping to reduce pollution and waste has become a key area of packaging design and technology.

Many businesses now encourage consumers to choose eco-friendly materials, which not only reduces their carbon footprint but also fosters responsible consumer habits that prioritize the planet. The shift toward sustainable packaging is a powerful way to lower environmental impact and promote a circular economy.

In South Korea, the government is pushing for a transition to eco-friendly packaging to help address the environmental issues caused by plastic. Here, we explore the key differences between plastic and more sustainable materials like paper packaging.

Plastic Packaging: A Global Challenge 

Plastic packaging is one of the major contributors to pollution, accumulating in landfills due to its non-biodegradable nature and posing health risks. In 2020, South Korea consumed approximately 550,000 tons of single-use plastic and nearly 84,500 tons of PET bottles.

Plastic waste is found littering streets, polluting oceans, and clogging landfills, where it never fully biodegrades. As plastic fragments break down, they form tiny particles called microplastics, which harm the environment and living creatures, including humans.

To address these concerns, South Korea has implemented strict regulations on plastic packaging. Since November 24, 2022, plastic packaging is prohibited in convenience stores, bakeries, and retail locations larger than 33 square meters. Larger supermarkets and stores are also banned from using plastic packaging, contributing to efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

Eco-Facts About Plastic Packaging: 

• Plastics are made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a non-renewable petroleum byproduct.
• Recycling plastic can be challenging as it often escapes disposal bins or clogs recycling equipment.

Paper Packaging: A Sustainable Alternative 

Awareness of plastic pollution in South Korea has sparked a demand for sustainable packaging alternatives. Paper-based packaging offers a reliable solution for minimizing environmental impact, as it’s biodegradable and recyclable. With durability, versatile sizing, and suitability for shopping and food packaging, paper is now becoming a popular alternative to plastic.

The biodegradable paper packaging market in South Korea is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% until 2034. The country’s packaging industry leads in developing innovative solutions for environmental challenges, with consumer preferences also evolving.

By developing new materials, designs, and formats to improve the functionality of biodegradable packaging, South Korea’s industry is expressing new directions, while meeting national policy objectives of meeting packaging needs while also providing biodegradable options.

Eco-Facts About Paper Packaging: 

• Paper packaging is compostable and made from renewable resources like trees, making it easy to recycle and dispose of.
• Paper fibers can be reused to create new products, conserving natural resources.
• Paper packaging is food-safe, as it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or toxins.

One of the well-known paper packaging brands introduced to the South Korean market is Foopak Bio Natura, by APP Group. A global leader in the pulp and paper industry, APP Group began its presence in South Korea in 2023. Foopak Bio Natura is both recyclable and compostable, underscoring APP Group‘s commitment to circularity. This eco-friendly product not only addresses environmental challenges but also promotes a healthier, more sustainable future. Foopak Bio Natura is also fully recyclable and repulpable without additional treatments.

APP Group is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability, providing innovative solutions aimed at minimizing environmental impact. The company’s offerings prioritize consumer safety, adhering to rigorous standards such as PFAS-free formulations, FDA compliance, and certifications like REACH and BfR for direct food contact. By promoting sustainable options like Foopak Bio Natura, APP Group demonstrates its role in creating a greener future while meeting the needs of environmentally conscious consumers.