As companies announce 100% recyclable water-resistant paper for packaging, we examine how this could transform the packaging industry.

There is no doubt that paper and board are excellent packaging materials. As a versatile, lightweight, protective, and easily-printable material, it is chosen by most of the world’s retailers. Additionally, paper-based packaging is one of the most sustainable packaging options available, with a recycling rate of 83% in Europe.

Paper lacks one superpower

One superpower that paper lacks, however, is the ability to resist water. Although this may not be too worrying for the average parcel delivered to the door by van, there are plenty of items within the global logistics network that can be destroyed by moisture, including electronics and clothing. Just one downpour can destroy entire batches, costing thousands.

There is nothing new about paper with barrier properties, but the amount of plastic in these papers makes it difficult to recycle them. As a result, the development of 100% recyclable water-resistant paper is such big news in the packaging industry.

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Water Resistant Paper Packaging – Two Sides