Many major brands are switching from plastic to paper packaging for its environmental, business, and potential cost advantages. Once you’ve decided to make the switch, a strategic approach is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful transition. Here are four steps to follow when planning your transition from plastic to paper packaging.
1. Set Clear Goals and Objectives
Setting clear, measurable goals and objectives allows you to create a timeline, evaluate progress, and measure overall impact.
For example, your goals might be as follows:
- Eliminate single-use plastics by a certain year
- Achieve 100% recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging by a certain year
- Use a certain percentage of recycled content in packaging
Once you’ve set goals, you can map out a strategy for achieving them. For example, you can:
- Resolve to only purchase from Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified companies that have traceability and reforesting initiatives
- Identify which of your packaging can transition to paper, initially focusing on less complex products
- Work with a strategic supplier who is knowledgeable about sustainable packaging
2. Develop a Budget
Next, set a budget for achieving your goals. Identify how much it will cost to transition to paper, then calculate long-term ROI for making the switch.
Your calculation should account for total cost of impact, which includes everything involved with packaging before and after production:
- Production costs versus plastic
- Recycling costs
- Customer acquisition, retention, and churn
Sustainable packaging is more attractive to customers – research has shown they’ll prioritize companies that use sustainable packaging and they’re even willing to pay more for sustainably packaged products – so it can have a significant impact on your overall ROI. Demonstrating how paper packaging drives ROI can serve as justification for stakeholders to switch from plastic.
3. Research Paper Packaging Options
Begin by engaging stakeholders and assembling an internal team to focus on the transition efforts. You should also find a supplier who can work with your internal team providing guidance on different types of paper packaging options.
Many paper packaging options are available, but common choices include:
- SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate) paperboard: A recyclable, nice white, very printable material
- CNK (Coated natural Kraft): A more natural-looking, eco-friendly alternative
- CRB (Coated Recycled Board): Made from recycled content, this is a good option for customers seeking extensive sustainability benefits
4. Consult a Knowledgeable Supplier
Consult a knowledgeable supplier who can:
- Recommend eco-friendly substrates
- Lend insight into which paper packaging types are suitable for certain applications
- Help you take advantage of paper’s unique properties
- Explore paper packaging design options
- Share advice on how to successfully transition to paper packaging
- Help you develop a realistic timeline and budget
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have concrete goals with measurable milestones. The next phase is to put your plan into action. Learn how to implement the change from plastic to paper packaging in Part 3 of this series.
