Why Molded Pulp is a Green Packaging Material Alternative

Discover why molded pulp may be the best way to finally put an end to the massive plastic production problem.

Our world is in the middle of a plastic crisis. And while switching out water bottles and straws is a good start, it’s only a drop in the ocean when it comes to plastic packaging. Plastic packaging material accounts for nearly 36% of all plastic waste in the world. And worse yet, over 85% of that plastic waste ends up in landfills or oceans.

With nearly 8 million tons of plastic entering the ocean every year, it’s time we start finding new, biodegradable alternatives for our packaging. And this means getting creative with our methods and materials.

Fortunately, there is one type of green packaging material that might just help solve the problem – molded pulp. Made of recycled paper, molded pulp is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging. It’s lightweight, biodegradable, and can be easily molded into nearly any packaging or shipping size you need!

Why Is Molded Pulp Better Than Plastic?

Molded pulp is just that – paper pulp that has been molded into a sturdy, durable form that can be used for a surprisingly large amount of stuff! Made of recycled materials such as paper, cardboard, and natural fibers (think sugarcane and bamboo), molded pulp is 100% biodegradable. 

Compare that to plastic, which can sit in landfills or oceans for 500 years before even coming close to the same level of safe decomposition. The process of creating molded pulp for packaging is far more efficient than that of plastic, requiring far less water and energy. Any leftovers are simply moved back to the pulp slurry (a fancy word for wet recycled paper waste) for use in the next batch.

Technology to create molded pulp for packaging is getting better by the day. Industrial and academic partnerships – such as those between Kiefel and the University of Maine – are helping boost the output potential of molded pulp while ensuring that durability and quality aren’t sacrificed. The result is fast-growing market, with the molded pulp market expected to reach $18 billion by 2028.

Who’s Using Molded Pulp As A Plastic Alternative?

In an effort to reduce their environmental impact and boost brand reputation, large brands and organizations are shifting to molded pulp as their plastic packaging material alternative. 

For example, Apple has begun to use molded pulp in their fiber trays for shipping tech products, and furniture giant IKEA is implementing molded pulp packaging in their retail stores in place of single-use plastics.

But this doesn’t mean that only large companies can adopt molded pulp. Plenty of small businesses and organizations looking to help reduce their carbon footprint and stand out as eco-friendly are also turning to molded pulp packaging solutions. This includes everything from small, local coffee shops using molded pulp cups instead of styrofoam, to online retailers using molded pulp inserts in their shipping boxes.

Take Your First Step Toward Implementing Molded Pulp Packaging

Molded pulp is one of many potential solutions to the growing plastics crisis – but the ability to stem the tide of waste requires all of us to play our part. If you utilize packaging in your operations, why not consider shifting to molded pulp for your needs?

Look for a molded pulp packaging supplier who can help craft solutions for your specific needs, and begin taking advantage of the benefits of this new alternative. Not only will you reduce your environmental impact, but you’ll enjoy the benefits that come with being part of the solution!