The major paper packaging grades made in Canada – which include containerboard (used to make corrugated cardboard boxes), boxboard (e.g., cereal or shoe boxes), and Kraft paper (used for bags and sacs) – are made from a highly recyclable and renewable material that is used repeatedly through the process of recycling.
While most paper packaging made in Canada is produced with recycled content, the paper fibres it was originally made from came from a tree. However, the Canadian paper packaging industry doesn’t use much in the way of freshly cut trees, and the little that is harvested must be successfully regenerated by Canadian law.
While the purpose of some of these media articles is to share environmental concerns surrounding various packaging materials, the articles do not provide information about the function of packaging, or the proliferation of packaging, which should be recognized in any story about packaging.
It’s clear that consumers want convenience but there are trade-offs in society’s decisions. We all have choices we make when making purchasing decisions, just as we have choices in managing our waste.
Everyone has a role to play in minimizing waste and diverting recyclable materials from landfill – businesses that make and sell products and packaging, waste management industry (recyclers, haulers, MRFs), and consumers. Ultimately it is the consumer who decides how to treat their waste and they need to do their part of properly cleaning and sorting their recyclables from their waste and organics to ensure everything that can be recycled is recycled.
Yes, the federal government’s plastics ban will see businesses shift to other packaging alternatives, including paper-based packaging, and our industry will look to meet the demand as needed, creating paper packaging products that are responsibly certified, sustainable, and recyclable.
This eye-opening experience made me realize the importance of looking at the bigger picture when it comes to sustainable packaging. It’s not about pitting different materials against each other; it’s about adopting a holistic approach that considers the entire lifecycle of packaging. Factors like resource extraction, manufacturing processes, transportation, and end-of-life disposal all play a role in the environmental impact of packaging materials. https://nearestlandfillca.com/org/arca-canada-inc-nova-scotia/ As the article rightly points out, we need to consider the life cycle assessments and environmental footprints of various packaging materials before making judgments. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, and it’s essential to strike a balance that reduces overall environmental harm.In conclusion, my personal experience highlighted the need to view packaging materials through a wider lens. It’s not about demonizing certain materials but rather adopting a comprehensive approach to sustainable packaging. By considering the bigger picture, we can make more informed decisions that lead us towards a greener and more sustainable future.