Paper Packaging Innovation: Less Fiber, More Strength

Have you noticed a shift in paper packaging innovation lately? We have, and so have the industry analysts whose job it is to track paper and packaging trends. Consumers prefer paper packaging, and manufacturers are responding by turning to fiber-based alternatives to plastic packaging. That’s led to what the Sustainable Packaging Coalition has dubbed “the paperization of everything” — from the obvious, like shipping boxes and product packaging, to the not-so-obvious, like can holders, blister packs, candy wrappers and even bread clips.

It’s a trend that started accelerating in 2020, with a 44 percent rise in online shopping thanks to the pandemic, and it has continued to gain momentum. In fact, the e-commerce packaging industry is expected to top $100 billion by 2027, with more and more of that space taken up by paper and cardboard solutions. The more paper packaging innovation consumers see in their day-to-day lives, the more they want — and the more manufacturers must innovate.

“As paper manufacturers expand the strength, capabilities and other properties of paper, you’ll continue to see new applications where previously you couldn’t have used a fiber-based solution,” says Amy McGhee, marketing and product manager for Domtar’s Specialty and Packaging Papers. “With the strength and quality of the 100-percent recycled containerboard from our Kingsport Mill, we’re making inroads in places where virgin fiber used to be the primary player.”
more at: https://newsroom.domtar.com/paper-packaging-innovation-domtar/