Have you ever imagined the impact of packaging on our environment and how much plastic we put out as a result of everyday purchases? The numbers are quite shocking, and you’ll be surprised to know that around 40% of the planet’s plastic waste comes from packaging. Due to these alarming figures, there is an ongoing pressure on all brands to cut out their plastic waste and adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions.
In the realm of personal care and the soap industry, paper-based packaging options have provided brands a reliable way to reduce their dependency on plastic. Among different materials, Kraft and cardboard are the most commonly used. Buyers prefer products that have eco-friendly labels printed on them. While both of these materials are sustainable options, Kraft leads the way in eco-friendly packaging. This is the reason why brands prefer packing their products in Kraft soap boxes.
In this guide, we will compare Kraft and cardboard materials and explain why Custom Soap Boxes made from Kraft material are a better choice.
What Makes Kraft a Sustainable Material for Soap Packaging Boxes?
Production Process
The way a material is prepared plays a vital role in deciding its overall impact on the environment. Kraft paper is produced using the Kraft process, a less energy-intensive method that extracts cellulose fibers from wood. The best thing about this process is that it doesn’t use any harmful or intensive chemicals. As a result, the material produced is a highly durable and unbleached paper that retains most of its natural strength. The raw materials for Kraft material are usually taken from sustainably managed forests, which gives it FSC certification. Brands can print this information on their custom soap packaging to attract buyers.
Cardboard, on the other hand, is typically produced from recycled paper. While this is a great thing, the manufacturing process is highly energy-intensive. It undergoes more intensive chemical processing. It is also bleached or coated to increase its whiteness and printing quality. This adds to the overall carbon footprint of cardboard.
The winner of this section is Kraft!
Water Consumption and Energy Consumption
When it comes to discussing the sustainability of a certain material, the energy and water used to produce it matter a lot. The strongest argument that supports Kraft here is that a very little amount of energy and water are required to produce cardboard. It is typically not bleached and thus requires less water.
Cardboard, as already explained, demands more processing steps. The different processes include layering, pressing, and laminating to make it more robust. All of them use energy and water, which makes it more costly and unsustainable.
Kraft takes a clear lead in the department as well.
Biodegradability
An important factor that determines the sustainability of a packaging material is how it breaks down in the long run. As Kraft is made using less energy-intensive treatment methods, it breaks down easily. Under normal environmental conditions, soap packaging boxes can break down in a few weeks, provided that they are free from plastic resin or other materials. This helps reduce the landfill waste and also. Kraft can also be added to home composting bins along with other materials.
Cardboard also biodegrades, but the time required depends on how it was manufactured. Cardboard Display Boxes that are made with laminations, wax coating, or heavy printing may end up taking years to break down. As a result, they stay in landfills for a very long time. It can even produce harmful substances. Cardboard is also not suitable for composting, either at home or in industries.
Once again, Kraft wins the argument here with its impressive biodegradable properties.
Recyclability and Reuse
Kraft and cardboard are both recyclable, but Kraft is superior in terms of process ease and quality. Most Kraft boxes are usually uncoated and printed with minimal designs; this allows them to retain the integrity of fibers during the recycling process. As a result, the boxes produced are more durable. Kraft paper is so strong that it can be recycled various times and still used as a reliable storage box.
Cardboard is also frequently recycled and reused, but it takes more effort. However, most of the time corrugated cardboard, a multi-layered material used to manufacture shipping boxes, is recycled. Most of the time cardboard boxes have laminates, adhesives, and inks that can interfere with the recycling process. These things are separated mechanically, which increases energy use and cost as well.
As is evident, Kraft wins with decision with a big margin here too.
Durability & Functionality Strength
The natural pulp fibers in Kraft give high tensile strength to Kraft material, making it ideal to pack products of different types, including soaps. It doesn’t get damaged easily during shipping or display. You can simply wrap it in bubble wrap and then place it in a shipping bag before sending it out. This eliminates the need to place the soap in a corrugated shipping box. Cardboard is also durable but doesn’t have the same robustness as Kraft. Despite this, it is good enough for packing soaps of all types.
There is no clear winner here. Both cardboard and Kraft are equally good enough for products like soaps.
Branding and Consumer Appeal
Kraft is highly attractive for eco-conscious buyers. Don’t worry; there are millions of people in the US that only shop from eco-friendly and sustainable brands. Unbleached Kraft has a rustic charm with a natural brown color that instantly sends a signal to people looking for eco-friendly products. This is why Kraft is commonly used for crafting handmade soap boxes, as it tells people about the organic nature of your products.
If brands want to create highly printed boxes, then cardboard is the best option. It allows high-definition printing, various colors, finishes, and coatings. On cardboard, you can add images, graphics and adorn it with glossy or matte lamination, embossing or debossing, spot UV, and foiling.
There is no clear winner here, as the best choice depends on a brand’s preferences, their marketing tactics, and their target audience. Kraft is best to achieve sustainability goals, and cardboard is great for fancy designs.
Cost-Efficiency
When it comes to the cost of buying custom boxes, Kraft is often the first choice of brands looking for high-quality packaging on a budget. It is quite a cost-effective material due to the less energy-intensive production process. Moreover, boxes made from Kraft don’t require heavy printing as well to make them durable.
Cardboard is costlier than Kraft not only as a material but also in the long run. It is heavier than Kraft and thus requires more weight to be shipped. A carton carrying 100 small boxes made from Kraft will be less expensive to ship than one carrying the same number of cardboard boxes.
Kraft wins the debate here as well. Many packaging suppliers also offer soap boxes wholesale prices for bulk orders.
Wrap-Up
To get all the above-listed benefits of Kraft material, you need to select a well-reputed, trusted, and professional packaging supplier. One such name is Packaging Mania; they offer high-end custom soap boxes at highly affordable prices.
