The Shift from Plastic to Sustainable Packaging Solutions
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Aktualisiert:
15.08.2025
10 min read
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Introduction
The shift away from plastic packaging is accelerating as environmental concerns and consumer expectations reshape the industry. Businesses are under increasing pressure to eliminate single-use plastics and adopt plastic-free packaging solutions that are both sustainable and high-performing. Leading global brands, such as IKEA, are already transforming their packaging strategies, investing heavily in recyclable, compostable, and fiber-based alternatives to reduce waste and comply with evolving regulatory standards.
At Relyon, we partner with companies to make this transition seamless. Our tailored fiber-based packaging solutions replace EPS and other plastics, offering eco-friendly protection without compromising on quality or functionality. This article explores why the industry is moving away from plastic, the best sustainable alternatives available, and how Relyon helps businesses future-proof their packaging.
Why the Packaging Industry is Moving Away from Plastic
Plastic has long dominated the packaging industry thanks to its low cost, lightweight properties, and durability. However, this convenience comes with a significant environmental cost. Every year, global plastic production exceeds 380–400 million tonnes, and only around 9% is successfully recycled. The remaining plastic is either burned, sent to landfills, or leaked into our oceans and ecosystems, where it can persist for centuries.
The environmental impact of plastic packaging is substantial:
Non-biodegradable waste: Most plastic packaging is designed for single use but can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to long-term pollution.
Ocean pollution: Approximately 8-14 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year, threatening marine life and contaminating the food chain.
High carbon footprint: Plastic production is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, generating significant greenhouse gas emissions from extraction to disposal.
Regulatory pressures: Governments worldwide are introducing bans and restrictions on certain single-use plastics, making reliance on plastic packaging increasingly risky for businesses.
With growing awareness of these issues, consumers, investors, and regulators are demanding change. Companies that continue to depend heavily on plastic packaging face rising costs, reputational damage, and potential non-compliance with upcoming regulations. This is driving a global shift toward sustainable, fiber-based, and recyclable packaging alternatives that reduce environmental harm while meeting modern performance and cost expectations.
Sources: OECD, Our World in Data, The Guardian, University of Michigan, UN Environment Programme
What Are the Best Alternatives to Plastic Packaging?
Among the most effective alternatives are molded fiber (molded pulp) and corrugated cardboard, both offering durability, versatility, and a significantly lower environmental footprint. These materials are increasingly adopted across industries such as electronics, food and beverage, e-commerce, and industrial manufacturing.
Key advantages include:
♻ Recyclability & Compostability:
Fiber-based packaging is typically made from recycled paper and cardboard and can be recycled multiple times or composted at the end of its lifecycle. This reduces landfill waste and supports closed-loop, circular economy models.
🌱 Renewable Raw Materials:
Unlike plastics derived from fossil fuels, fiber-based packaging is sourced from renewable materials such as wood pulp or recycled paper fibers, making it a more sustainable and resource-efficient option.
🎨 Design Flexibility for Custom Applications:
Molded pulp can be shaped to fit complex product geometries, providing excellent cushioning and protection for fragile items.
📦 High Protection During Transport and Storage:
Despite being fiber-based, these materials are strong, lightweight, and shock-absorbent, making them well-suited for safely transporting goods, even in demanding logistics environments.
In contrast to plastics, fiber-based packaging naturally degrades or is efficiently recycled through existing paper waste streams, avoiding long-term pollution. It aligns with growing regulatory requirements, meets customer expectations for sustainable solutions, and helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint.
Balancing Recycled and Virgin Fibers: The Key to High-Performance Packaging
Globally, recycled paper is one of the most important raw materials in the shift toward sustainable packaging materials. However, access to high-quality virgin fiber—especially in Scandinavia —is unique and strategically important in the packaging industry. Renowned for its exceptional strength, purity, and performance, virgin fiber is ideal for demanding applications such as premium fiber-based packaging and high-strength transport solutions.
Beyond its standalone value, virgin fiber plays a critical role in maintaining the recycled paper packaging loop. Paper fibers can typically only be recycled 6–7 times before they lose the necessary strength and quality for reuse. Introducing fresh virgin fiber into the production cycle restores durability, extends the lifespan of recycled fibers, and ensures consistent performance across multiple uses.
This balanced approach—combining recycled and virgin fibers—not only supports circular economy in packaging but also guarantees high-performance sustainable packaging that meets both environmental and functional requirements.
Relyon’s Role in Accelerating the Plastic-Free Transition
Relyon helps businesses transition from plastic to sustainable, fiber-based packaging solutions that are recyclable, biodegradable, and tailored for maximum protection. Our expertise spans custom-engineered molded fiber and corrugated cardboard packaging, both designed to meet modern environmental standards and support a circular economy.
♻ Eco-friendly materials: 100% recycled, recyclable, and biodegradable fiber-based packaging alternatives to EPS and other plastics.
⚙ Tailored designs: Custom-engineered packaging designed to meet the needs of diverse industries and applications.
📦 Robust performance: Optimized strength, stackability, and protection for transit and industrial applications.
By combining innovation, material expertise, and close collaboration with customers, Relyon helps businesses reduce plastic use, lower their carbon footprint, and future-proof their packaging strategies.
Take the Lead in Plastic-Free Packaging
The shift away from plastic is not just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to lead the change toward a more sustainable future. Companies like IKEA are already proving that it is possible to drastically reduce plastic use while maintaining product protection and functionality. By choosing fiber-based solutions, businesses can reduce waste, cut emissions, and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging without compromising on performance.
At Relyon, we’re ready to help you make the transition smoothly and effectively. Together, we can create packaging solutions that protect your products, your brand, and the planet.
🔗 Explore our solutions:
Corrugated cardboard packaging – Kinnareds Well
Molded fiber packaging – Tomeco
📩 Contact us to start your journey toward plastic-free packaging today.
