When people think of paper, the words ‘tech innovation’ may not be the first that come to mind. And yet, paper is at the forefront of a major shift in the packaging industry, as more brands explore the possibilities paper has to offer and meet consumer demand for more sustainable choices.
The move has been gaining momentum over the past year, with recognisable brands such as Aldi and Nescafé recently leading the charge. Nescafé has swapped its plastic containers for recyclable paper packaging in products like Nescafé Cappuccino and Latte, while Aldi has introduced paper packaging for its Everyday Essentials Porridge Oats across all UK stores.
These moves underscore a broader transformation that the packaging industry is going through, one driven by the need for sustainable alternatives to plastic, which, despite its versatility and cost-effectiveness, continues to be a major contributor to environmental pollution.
Thanks to advancements in technology, new paper materials are being designed to replicate plastic’s strength, flexibility, and barrier properties. One of the most exciting developments is the use of nanotechnology in paper packaging. Nanocellulose, which comes from plant fibres, is being used to create paper that is not only lightweight but also incredibly strong. This technology, along with the introduction of biodegradable and compostable materials, including plant-based coatings and adhesives, is setting the stage for a future where paper-based packaging is the norm.
A full transition to paper-based packaging is not without its challenges. High performance paper materials can be costly to produce, especially in the initial stages of technology scaling. Also, many packaging facilities are currently optimised for plastic, which means updating machinery and infrastructure to make them more paper-friendly would be costly.
But these should be viewed as disruptive hurdles, not insurmountable peaks. The level of interest in paper-based technologies across industries such as e-commerce and food & beverage signals a promising future for environmentally friendly packaging.
What many people view as an ordinary material far removed from conversations around tech innovation is actually revealing itself to be the key to unlocking a more sustainable future. In the movement towards greener packaging solutions, paper is proving to be anything but conventional.