Molded pulp packaging is often heralded as an eco-friendly form of packaging. But how sustainable is it in reality? Are all forms of molded pulp packaging created equal?
Since molded pulp packaging mainly relies on plant-based products, it is often considered a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based packaging such as plastic or polystyrene (styrofoam). A study conducted in the Journal of Food Additives and Contaminants found that one-quarter of the 125 tonnes of plastic produced each year is used for packaging purposes. Unfortunately, plastic can take thousands of years to biodegrade properly and much of it ends up in oceans, waterways, and natural habitats. Therefore, in comparison to plastic, molded pulp packaging offers a way to package food and goods without contributing vast amounts of plastic waste into the environment.
Furthermore, harvesting and manufacturing pulp fibers usually presents a relatively low environmental impact. For instance, using recycled paper and Kraft products extends the lifespan of products that would otherwise go to waste. Using plant-based materials means harvesting from renewable resources and creating a final product that is usually bio-degradable.
While a general comparison between plastic and molded pulp suggests that molded pulp is the more sustainable option, what about the variation amongst molded pulp fibers? Are some molded pulp products more sustainable than others?
When assessing the sustainability of various forms of molded pulp fibers, it is important to consider both the source materials and the additives used in the manufacturing process, as both of these elements can have considerable environmental impacts.
Although molded pulp that relies on tree-products may technically be utilizing a renewable resource, there are still important environmental considerations to make when harvesting trees. For instance, the removal of mass amounts of trees can seriously impact complex ecosystems that rely on them for nourishment, cover, and soil stability. Furthermore, trees act as important “carbon sinks” as they take in carbon from the air and replace it with oxygen.
Since molded pulp packaging mainly relies on plant-based products, it is often considered a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based packaging such as plastic or polystyrene (styrofoam). A study conducted in the Journal of Food Additives and Contaminants found that one-quarter of the 125 tonnes of plastic produced each year is used for packaging purposes. Unfortunately, plastic can take thousands of years to biodegrade properly and much of it ends up in oceans, waterways, and natural habitats. Therefore, in comparison to plastic, molded pulp packaging offers a way to package food and goods without contributing vast amounts of plastic waste into the environment.
Furthermore, harvesting and manufacturing pulp fibers usually presents a relatively low environmental impact. For instance, using recycled paper and Kraft products extends the lifespan of products that would otherwise go to waste. Using plant-based materials means harvesting from renewable resources and creating a final product that is usually bio-degradable.
While a general comparison between plastic and molded pulp suggests that molded pulp is the more sustainable option, what about the variation amongst molded pulp fibers? Are some molded pulp products more sustainable than others?
When assessing the sustainability of various forms of molded pulp fibers, it is important to consider both the source materials and the additives used in the manufacturing process, as both of these elements can have considerable environmental impacts.
Although molded pulp that relies on tree-products may technically be utilizing a renewable resource, there are still important environmental considerations to make when harvesting trees. For instance, the removal of mass amounts of trees can seriously impact complex ecosystems that rely on them for nourishment, cover, and soil stability. Furthermore, trees act as important “carbon sinks” as they take in carbon from the air and replace it with oxygen.
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