Why Paper Packaging Beats Single‑Use Plastic — And How The Paper People Are Leading
Why Paper Packaging Beats Single‑Use Plastic — And How The Paper People Are LeadingWritten by Allan Smith – Coating Operations Manager @ The Paper People At The Paper People, my team and I believe that packaging isn’t just a shell — it’s part of your brand story. As consumers become more conscious about sustainability, paper and fiber‑based packaging are rising above not only single‑use plastic in both preference and performance but most importantly, the health of the one and only planet we call home. Let’s talk about a few recent surveys and studies and what they mean for your brand. What consumers are telling us in 2025• Recyclability is the top sustainability feature globally. In the McKinsey “Sustainability in Packaging 2025: Inside the Mind of the Global Consumer” survey, recyclability is viewed as the most critical sustainability trait among consumers across the countries surveyed. [Source: packaginginsights.com] • High % of U.S. consumers rate recyclability as “very important” or “extremely important.” 77% of U.S. respondents say recyclability is extremely/very important when considering sustainability of packaging. [Source: mckinsey.com] • Paper / cardboard is preferred by a majority for online deliveries. 62% of European consumers prefer products ordered online to be delivered in paper packaging. [Source: Two Sides 2025 Trend Tracker] • Paper packaging is seen as better for the environment by more than half. 53% of European consumers prefer paper packaging for its environmental benefits over other materials. [Source: Two Sides 2025 Trend Tracker] • Home compostable / biodegradable paper options are highly preferred. 75% prefer paper/cardboard for being home compostable/biodegradable vs much lower shares for plastic, glass, etc. [Source: Two Sides 2025 Trend Tracker] What this means for The Paper PeopleHere’s how we stand out, and how brands partnering with us are turning the data into action: – We hold Western Michigan University certifications for recyclability and compost-ability for our paper/fiber‑based flexible packaging. This third-party validation ensures our products can be recovered responsibly. The Paper People submitted two product samples to WMU for certification. The samples included our optional fiber-based mesh window and our proprietary, FDA approved heat-seal coating. WMU testing found impressive results of 96.8% and 96.7%, respectively. – We are working with multinational companies across food & beverage, personal care, and household goods to help them transition away from single-use plastics. These partnerships prove that sustainable packaging can meet performance, shelf life, and cost requirements while winning consumer trust. How to turn preference into business value• Match material to performance — ensure that your paper packaging meets barrier, sealing, and shelf life standards. • Use clear, certified claims — consumers trust recyclability and compostability when they’re verifiable. • Lead in high‑visibility SKUs first — sustainable packaging signals credibility where consumers notice most. • Tell the story transparently — highlight responsible sourcing, certifications, and recovery pathways. Sample verified claims“77% of U.S. consumers cite recyclability as extremely or very important in their packaging choices.” — McKinsey
“62% of European consumers prefer their online orders arrive in paper packaging.” — Two Sides 2025 Trend Tracker
“Majority of consumers believe paper packaging is better for the environment.” — Two Sides 2025 Trend Tracker
At The Paper People, we’ve built our mission around helping brands lead this transition. If you’re ready to move away from single‑use plastics, let’s talk — together, we can build a paper‑first future. |
