A Closer Look at Single-use Paper Packaging

Is paper a more sustainable flexible packaging material than plastic? The debate between single-use plastic vs. single-use paper continues to be a trending topic in the paper supply industry. Some common misconceptions persist regarding single-use paper packaging. Shedding light on the realities of the use of single-use paper can help clear up these misconceptions and positively influence public understanding.

From its biodegradable aspects, reusability, versatility and full alignment with the circular economy and sustainability criteria, single-use paper can be an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use plastic packaging.

Alain Villemure, vice president of sales at Lecta, North America weighs in on the benefits of single-use paper packaging, discusses Lecta’s efforts to incorporate single-use paper packaging and more in this Q&A.

Can you explain how the use of paper is a more sustainable or a better flexible packaging material option in general compared to plastic?

The main component of paper is cellulose fibers, a natural and renewable raw material, and the finished product is recyclable and in most cases biodegradable. While most plastic-based flexible packaging is hardly recycled, paper has a well-established recycling stream that works also for paper-based flexible packaging. Paper is a product fully aligned with the circular economy and sustainability criteria.

In what ways does your company incorporate single-use paper packaging?

The challenge of our company and the paper industry is to give paper the necessary functionalities to be able to replace other materials for single-use packaging applications. Lecta has already launched several paper solutions; for instance, we have developed EraCup, a recyclable and compostable paper to produce paper cups. With an innovative process and the application of an aqueous dispersion, we give paper the properties to be used as an alternative to conventional paper with PE extrusion layer.

What do you think some common misconceptions are about single-use paper packaging?

Probably the most common misconception is that currently single-use paper packaging includes a layer of plastic to achieve the needed functionality, e.g., paper cups with PE layer, and this makes the material difficult to recycle and non-biodegradable or compostable. As said before, the challenge, partly achieved, is to develop functional papers that do not need additional plastic layers.

What do you wish more people knew about single-use paper packaging?  

It is important that people know that all virgin fiber used to manufacture paper comes from controlled and certified sources. The chain of custody of the wood and cellulose used is strictly controlled.

The recyclability of paper is also a very relevant question. Paper is the packaging material with the highest rates of recovery and recycling. Moreover, recycled paper is a well-established product with several applications. That makes single-use paper packaging a truly circular material.

What are some ways you think the public’s understanding of single-use paper packaging can shift?

Communication campaigns could help to make public more confident on paper origin and applications and the advantages of paper packaging.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

From Lecta, we want to thank the different participants in the supply chain who have collaborated with us in the development of our new functional papers and express our willingness to continue working to develop more papers that, starting from a renewable material, will be recyclable and can be a real alternative to other packaging materials.