Welcome to the Solutions Database,
a guide to technologies, strategies, and best practices for reducing plastic waste

• Reduction of non-renewable materials: Substituting plastic with paper will typically result in a lower usage of non-renewable re-sources. While papermaking fibers are renewable, many of the coatings and fillers are not. As such the source and the end of life of the non-fibrous materials should be kept in mind.
• Increased recyclability: Paper packaging can present a viable solution for plastic films such as wraps and bags or as in protective packaging where molded fiber may substitute for expanded plastic foam. Cardboard packaging solutions that are more readily recyclable can substitute for less recyclable shrink film and plastic rings used for multi-pack bever-age.(1) Innovations in paper coatings are increasing acceptability of coated paper to paper recyclers, in particular food applications (2).
• Increased recycled content: Heavier paper and cardboard used in rigid non-food packaging can be made with high lev-els of recycled content.100% recycled cardboard consumes high levels of residential mixed paper and is one of the pri-mary markets for this material.
• Reduced need for refrigration: Some carton formats can prevent food spoilage while reducing the need for refrigeration, which in turn could be associated with lifecycle emissions reductions in some cases and ap-plications
• Consumer preference: Consumers may appreciate paper and cardboard packaging for reasons of recyclability and practicability.

As mentioned above, a switch to paper based packaging needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis taking into account these factors. A switch to paper should consider GHG’s, refrigeration needs, sourcing of the fiber, packaging weight, costs, recyclability of the application, and overall recycling rates.

• Recycled content and non-recycled feedstocks: Specifying recycled content and exploring highest possible levels reduces impacts of virgin production, supports the recycling collection system, and keeps reusable fiber out of landfills. However, paper can be repulped and reused up to seven times, so recycled fiber and new sustainable fiber need to be used in best ways as interdependent feedstocks. (4, 14). Sustainable forest management standards addresses a breadth of social and environmental aspects associated with timber harvesting. Companies should seek out certified sources to ensure fiber is being sourced responsibly. There are three types of paper certifications: forest management certifications, wood procurement certifications, and Chain of Custody (CoC) certifications (14). Programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), The Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC), or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Program (SFI) (2,4), have been adopted globally and certified products are widely available.
• Ensuring compatibility with the recovery system: Ensure that paper recycling infrastructure is in place in practice and at scale and that your future packaging design is compatible with the recycling processes. Consider the availability of collection and sorting schemes as well as the probable fate of the packaging (1,4).
• Design paper packaging for recyclability: There are many choices that can affect the recyclability of paper. Generally speaking, water soluble inks, dyes, adhesives and coatings cause few problems. The use of certain materials such as wet strength resins and non-paper materials (e.g. plastic windows or foils) can also be problematic.
• Invest in innovation: Innovation in new materials, packaging designs and barrier coatings/alternatives for plastic linings are rapidly evolving and will likely improve the outcomes of paper packaging in the future. However, coatings and fillers should be compatible with the expected end of life of the product, (e.g. compostable or recyclable) and need to be applied and proven at scale. (2)
• Clear identificaiton as paper: Ensure that any potential packaging alternative to plastic is either completely made from paper or that through labeling the plastic or other non-fiber parts are clearly distinguishable to support appropriate disposal/recycling. Recycling should be the preferred option, however there may be cases (e.g. with food contact) where composting of some kinds of paper packaging is a viable and/or a preferred solution.

• Improving recovery and recycling: Although corrugated cardboard enjoys very high recycling rates, other kinds of paper packaging do not have as high of recycling rates. An effective recovery system for all materials is an essential ingredient for the success of all packaging materials. Brands and packagers should recognize that they have a role to play in developing a robust U.S. recycling system that in turn delivers the environmental and economic benefits envisioned in sustainable packaging.
• Support direct investments in recycling: Direct investments in recycling have the potential to accelerate the expansion of paper, cardboard and carton collection and recycling; increase recycled content in paper; and re-duce contamination (2). Continuing to increase the share of population with recycling programs is a critical enabler for justifying a shift to beverage cartons, for example.(9)
• Paper recycling infrastructure and sourcing standards: Demand for recycled content helps incentivize and justify investments in paper recycling in-frastructure. At the same time, broader commitment to the use of sustainability standards for virgin fiber and to the use of paper recycling design guides helps ensure sustainable fi-ber sourcing and the use of paper packaging that is most compatible with the recycling sys-tem. (1,4,2)
• Innovation of paper packaging: Participation in research and development and adoption of viable innovations to ensure coatings and barriers are recyclable is critical to the long-term success. (2)

• Alkindo Naratama: They launched a green product as a substitute for the first plastic bubble wrap in Indonesia, namely Hexcel Wrap. This product is to reduce plastic waste which is widely used in e-commerce businesses. Hexcel Wrap is a sustainable product from ALDO as an alternative to bubble wrap in the form of a honeycomb structure made of recycled paper as a protection solution in packaging shipments of goods, especially for the e-commerce market.
• PT Ajinomoto Indonesia: They launched the MSG Ajinomoto product using paper packaging. With this paper packaging innovation, Ajinomoto can reduce plastic use by up to 30%. In addition, reducing the use of plastic in other products such as: 8.4% Masako® in each 9gr package and 9.5% Sajiku in each package.
• L'Oréal: In collaboration with an e-commerce platform, Shopee Indonesia launched an initiative to replacing bubble wrap and plastic tape packaging. The alternative is to use a flute liner, which is a corrugated material similar to cardboard, and paper tape as the adhesive distribution.