Paper packaging for sustainability and recyclability The South African findings of the global 2025 Two Sides Trend Tracker survey on the print and paper industry confirm that paper-based packaging remains South Africa’s preferred sustainable packaging choice. ⎪ Environmental management, waste and cleaning technologies ⎪
W ith increasing pressure to reduce plastic waste and cut carbon footprints, the pack- aging sector is facing intense scrutiny, according to the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA). Paper- based packaging has emerged as a positive solution as it is made from renewable wood fibre from sustainably managed planted forests, and/ or recycled paper fibre. Overall, paper and cardboard emerged as the top choice among consumers who rated packaging materials based on 15 environmental, visual and physical attributes. In second place was glass, followed by plastic and metal, which were on equal footing. South African consumers value paper-based packaging for its recyclability, biodegradability/compostability, lower environ- mental impact, affordability, safety, and its ability to display clear product information. In this year’s survey, 64% of people said they prefer products ordered online to arrive in paper packaging, up from 58% in 2023. Additionally, 58% are actively taking steps to increase their use of paper packaging, while 80% expressed a preference for their online orders to be delivered in packaging that better suits their needs. “We acknowledge right-sizing is not always possible for online retailers. The good thing about cardboard boxes is that they are fully recyclable regardless of their size, and welcomed by infor- mal collectors and recycling companies,” notes Samantha Choles, PAMSA's communication manager. When it comes to being home compostable and biodegradable, 75% of respondents chose paper/cardboard. A further 53% selected it as the bestmaterialfortheenvironment,and51%found it the easiest to recycle. Glassrankedthehighestinreusability,lookand feel and brand image, with plastic being the easiest to store. Metal packaging outstripped the other materials in terms of its strength and robustness. The unsung hero of renewability Choles acknowledges that paper packaging may not always fulfil the same function as other ma - terials. However, in today's world, there is still a placeforallpackagingmaterials,providedtheyare produced and disposed of responsibly. She points outthatthelocalandglobalforestproductssector has, for many years, been exploring ways to utilise renewable materials like wood and cellulose, and to process by-products like lignin as substitutes for
materials that have a high environmental impact. Choles goes on to explain that virgin fibre comes from farmed trees grown in responsibly managed and certified plantations. “These trees are considered renewable resources, with only 7-10% of 850 000 trees harvested annually and new trees planted in their place within a year. All of these trees are continually absorbing and storing carbon.” South African tissue and packaging manufac- turers use recycled fibre recovered from used paper and packaging. “This further reduces waste and supports the circular economy,” notes Choles. The survey revealed that 65% of respondents believe that only recycled paper should be used in the manufacture of paper products. “The sole use of recycled paper in paper manufacturing is not possible, however,” explains Choles. “Paper fibres can only be recycled around seven times, because the fibres shorten and weaken with each use.Withoutsomenewwoodfibrefromtrees,the paper cycle cannot be maintained. Recycling habits In this survey, approximately 28% of respondents believe that more than 60% of paper and paper packaging is collected for recycling, up from 19% in 2023. “They are certainly correct. Our mills, with the help of informal collectors and recycling businesses, recover about 1.2 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging every year,” says Choles. “It’s good to see that 81% of respondents clearly understand what types of products can be recycled, and this is up from 78% in 2023.” Furthermore, 69% of respondents reported recycling their paper-based packaging, includ- ing delivery boxes, food packaging, and drinking cartons. Responsible consumer behaviour To reduce the consumption of non-recyclable single-use packaging, most respondents agree that the responsibility should be shared among governments, local authorities, brands, retailers and supermarkets. Notably, approximately 46% acknowledge that they, as consumers, bear the least responsibility in this regard. They express a strong desire for systemic change through the enactment of legislation, coupled with the com- mitment of brands and industry leadership. This is backed up by 66% of South African respondents agreeing that non-recyclable pack- aging should be discouraged through taxation, with more than half stating they would consider
Paper-based packaging remains South Africa’s preferred sustainable packaging choice. Photo credit: Detpak5
avoidingretailersthatdonotactivelytrytoreduce their non-recyclable packaging. “It was interesting to note that 62% feel that brands, retailers and supermarkets are introduc- ing more sustainable packaging, up from 54% in 2023,” says Choles. She emphasises that local extended producer responsibility legislation fosters improved production design and recycling initiatives. Paper packaging can meet practical and aes- thetic needs, and it’s easy to print, lightweight and versatile. “In an age of ‘unboxing experiences’ and where sustainability is central to brand identity, it’s great to see that leading retailers and businesses areturningtopapertoreflecttheirenvironmental commitments,” concludes Choles. Cardboard boxes are fully recyclable regardless of their size. Photo credit: Corruseal
www.twosides.info/ trend-tracker-2025
November-December 2025 • MechChem Africa ¦ 39
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