Cardboard is widely used for packing and shipping a variety of products. It offers remarkable features, including a lightweight structure, customization options, and easy availability. In fact, for many years, cardboard boxes have been the preferred choice for businesses across industries.
If you want to understand how cardboard is made and why it’s so popular in packaging, read our detailed guide on what is cardboard.
However, amid growing environmental concerns and rising costs, businesses are seeking better alternatives to cardboard. In this blog, we will explore the best alternatives to cardboard for various uses.
Different Alternatives to Cardboard Boxes
Research shows that approximately 90% of products are shipped in cardboard boxes. Yet, using cardboard boxes can be expensive for new startups. If you’re curious about the rising costs, check out our detailed breakdown on why cardboard is expensive.
Eventually, choosing alternatives to cardboard boxes isn’t just about protecting parcels or cutting shipping costs—it’s also about reducing your business’s environmental footprint.
So, what can be used instead of cardboard? Let’s get into the list.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags
- Molded Pulp Packaging
- Paperboard Boxes
- Compostable Mailers
- Mushroom Packaging
- Seaweed-Based Packaging
- Cornstarch Packaging
- Corrugated Bubble Wrap
- Reusable Bags
Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Vacuum-sealed bags are an innovative way to reduce the size of your packaging while protecting your products. The bags are made of thin, clear plastic, such as polypropylene or polyamide.
By removing excess air, vacuum bags compress products, making them ideal for storing clothing items. Plus, the bags are widely used for food preservation, helping keep meat, fruits, coffee, snacks, and grains fresher for longer.
Another packaging option similar to vacuum bags is Mylar bags. These bags effectively preserve food, keeping it fresh for an extended period.
Molded Pulp Packaging
If you’re looking for excellent packaging for fragile products such as electronics, glassware, and cosmetics, molded pulp is ideal. This packaging is made from recycled paper, sugarcane, bamboo, and wheat straw.
In addition to electronics, you can also use molded pulp packaging for food items such as egg trays and bakery products.
Molded pulp packaging also offers excellent protection while being compostable and recyclable. Overall, if you want to make a strong sustainability statement, this packaging is a smart choice.
Paperboard Boxes
Generally speaking, paperboard is thinner and smoother than cardboard. Today, more and more brands choose paperboard boxes to enhance product presentation while reducing unnecessary weight.
Another plus point of choosing paperboard as an alternative to cardboard is that it requires fewer raw materials, such as compressed wood pulp and/or recycled paper fibers, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Mostly, paperboard boxes are easy to assemble and cost-effective, making them commonly used for packaging food, cosmetics, and consumer goods.
Compostable Mailers
Compostable mailers are an excellent option for e-commerce brands that want a sustainable alternative to cardboard boxes. These mailers are made from plant-based materials, such as PBAT (a biodegradable polymer) and PLA (derived from corn and wheat straw).
They are flexible, water-resistant, and perfect for shipping clothing, accessories, and other lightweight products. Also, compostable mailers require less energy to produce, helping lower your brand’s carbon footprint.
Mushroom Packaging
Also known as mycelium packaging, mushroom packaging uses the mushroom’s root structure, making it biodegradable, lightweight, strong, and compostable.
Speaking of its applications, mushroom packaging is durable enough to protect fragile products like candles, electronics, and food. Another plus point? This packaging offers the same level of protection as Styrofoam, but it breaks down naturally within 30–90 days. Well, this proves that businesses can be environmentally responsible without sacrificing their products’ protection.
Speaking of costs, mushroom packaging is cost-effective because it uses a less-demanded part of the mushroom.
Seaweed-Based Packaging
As the name suggests, this is made from seaweed polymers, renewable sugars, and starches. It can be molded, shaped, and designed in various ways. Seaweed packaging is ideal for retail and personal care products such as lotions, creams, and makeup.
As it decomposes instantly, seaweed-based packaging helps create a cleaner environment by reducing carbon emissions, making it a sustainable alternative to cardboard.
Cornstarch Packaging
Cornstarch-based packaging is made from natural polymers mixed with biodegradable additives. It can be shaped into different forms, from food containers to protective wraps. Thus, many brands now use cornstarch packaging instead of plastic shipping materials. Yes, cornstarch is commonly used in packaging for solid bottles and loose bags. Also, this packaging is ideal for shipping apparel and gift items.
As it decomposes quickly without leaving harmful waste behind, cornstarch packaging is a stylish and eco-friendly choice for e-commerce brands..
Corrugated Bubble Wrap
As the name suggests, this wrap is made of corrugated cardboard and, in some cases, a layer of polyethylene plastic bubbles.
Corrugated bubble wrap combines the protective features of traditional bubble wrap with the eco-friendly strength of corrugated cardboard. The wrap ensures optimal cushioning for delicate products during transit. They offer superior shock absorption while being biodegradable and recyclable. They are ideal for safeguarding fragile products and provide exceptional protection.
Reusable Bags
Reusable bags offer a durable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cardboard boxes. They are made from materials like fabric, jute, or heavy-duty plastic. The bags offer long-lasting use across almost all product types while reducing packaging waste.
In addition, these bags can enhance brand visibility by being customized with logos and designs. Switching to reusable bags helps your business cut costs, minimize waste, and promote environmental responsibility.
To choose the right packaging, you should consider your product type and the packaging purpose. For details, read our blog post on a complete guide to product packaging.
What to Consider When Choosing an Alternative to Cardboard?
When choosing an alternative to cardboard, you should consider several factors, such as:
- Your product’s specific protective needs.
- The material’s environmental impact.
- How the choice will affect your brand image, costs, and logistics.
Have a look at the comparison table below to help you choose the right one.
Alternatives | Raw Materials | Durability | Best for |
Vacuum-Sealed Bags | Thin, clear plastic, like polypropylene or polyamide | Medium | Storing clothing items & food preservation
|
Molded Pulp Packaging | Recycled paper, sugarcane, bamboo, and wheat straw | High | Electronics, glassware, cosmetics, and food items
|
Paperboard Boxes | Compressed wood pulp and/or recycled paper fibers | Medium | Food, cosmetics, and consumer goods |
Compostable Mailers | Plant-based materials | High | Shipping clothing, accessories, and other lightweight products |
Mushroom Packaging | Mushroom’s root structure | Medium | Candles, electronics, and food items |
Seaweed Packaging | Seaweed polymers, renewable sugars, and starches | Medium | Retail and personal care products |
Cornstarch Packaging | Natural polymers | High | Food containers to protective wraps |
Corrugated bubble wrap | Corrugated cardboard and polyethylene plastic bubbles | High | Delicate and fragile products |
Reusable Bags | Fabric, jute, or heavy-duty plastic | Medium | Almost all product types |
Final Thoughts
Undoubtedly, cardboard is widely used for packing and shipping a variety of products. In fact, for many years, cardboard boxes have been the preferred choice for businesses across industries.
Choosing alternatives to cardboard boxes isn’t just about protecting parcels or cutting shipping costs—it’s also about reducing your business’s environmental footprint. Options such as vacuum-sealed bags, paperboard boxes, mushroom packaging, and reusable bags offer sustainable, cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise product protection.
Whether for specific product types or retail & e-commerce, the best alternatives to cardboard we revealed above can be wise choices for your packaging needs.
Need more guidance on choosing the proper packaging for your products? Reach out to the professionals at Custom Box Makers today!
FAQS
What are the most eco-friendly alternatives to cardboard packaging?
The most eco-friendly alternatives to cardboard include vacuum bags, paperboard boxes, mushroom packaging, seaweed boxes, cornstarch boxes, corrugated bubble wraps, and reusable bags.
Are vacuum bags a good alternative to cardboard packaging?
Yes, vacuum bags are a great alternative as they provide airtight protection, are durable, and help preserve food items for extended periods while being moisture and pest-resistant.
Can paperboard boxes be customized like cardboard?
Absolutely! Paperboard boxes can be customized with the same printing and finishing quality as cardboard, but they are more affordable and lightweight.
What is mushroom packaging, and how is it eco-friendly?
Mushroom packaging is made from the root structure of mushrooms (mycelium), creating biodegradable, compostable, and sustainable packaging. It decomposes naturally without harming the environment.
Are seaweed-based packaging boxes strong enough for my products?
Yes, seaweed boxes are flexible, strong, and biodegradable. They offer reliable protection for products while minimizing environmental impact as they decompose in marine environments.
Is cornstarch packaging biodegradable?
Yes, cornstarch packaging is biodegradable and breaks down naturally over time. It’s a sustainable alternative to cardboard and offers numerous environmental benefits, including reduced carbon emissions.
Can corrugated bubble wrap replace traditional bubble wrap?
Yes, corrugated bubble wraps provide superior protection for fragile items while being biodegradable and recyclable, making them a great eco-friendly option compared to traditional bubble wrap.
How can reusable bags help my business reduce waste?
Reusable bags are durable, customizable, and long-lasting. They help minimize packaging waste and can be branded for additional marketing exposure, offering both sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
