5 Alternatives to Cardboard Boxes

There’s no question that moving can be a very exciting time, but it’s important for you to first prepare well ahead of the actual packing process. When you start moving, one of the first things you think about is where you will find cardboard boxes. There are, however, a few downfalls of using so many boxes.

One of the obvious downsides is that they probably won’t use again, which might lead you to look for an alternative. Different cardboard types are ideal for different purposes. But, there are many alternatives to cardboard boxes, which you can find on the internet.

Many companies and individuals are seeking more eco-friendly and even cheaper alternatives to traditional packaging. There is a wide range of eco-friendly packaging options available, including biodegradable and recyclable.

Cardboard Boxes are Not the Only Choice

In the following, we will look at five alternatives to cardboard boxes.

1. Corrugated Bubble Wrap

Although bubble wraps are great for wrapping fragile items, we all loved them as children. But, they’re plastic. Thus, they end up in landfills when they are no longer useful, contributing to the world’s growing waste. Cardboard from post-industrial and post-consumer waste is recycle to make this corrugate version. In addition to cardboard materials, retail boxes are also made of cardboard.

Corrugated bubble wrap, like this one, is up-cycled from waste materials and can still be recycled. There is a concertina-type cut/holes made into it that work just as well to protect fragile items as bubble wrap does. Unfortunately, the only downside is the absence of bubbles to pop.

2. Biodegradable Packaging Peanuts 

It is understandable why many of us are wondering why use cardboard for packaging. Aside of cardboard, this type of loose filling protects sensitive items from shocks due to constant movement. The air peanuts are completely biodegradable and tiny.

New York, for example, prohibits non-degradable materials, such as Styrofoam, used as fillers and to make takeaway containers. There is a paper monopoly in China, a strained supply chain, and shipping issues worldwide.

That’s why cardboard cost is high. Business owners who are switching to eco-friendly packaging that will not incur fines should consider biodegradable air peanuts.

3. Cornstarch Packages 

As the name implies, are packages create from maize. It has plastic-like properties which makes it suitable instead of going with plastics. Because it has to be molded into whatever form is needed, from bottles to loose fillings, cornstarch packaging makes a better and just as useful packaging as plastics.

The downside of this packaging is that humans eat corn, so this packaging option is essentially competing with people for their food – thus raising the prices of corn.

4. Seaweed Packages 

The food industry uses them to make gelatin as they’re similar to cornstarch. Using seaweed gelatin to make packaging material, some designers have made prototypes of this type of packaging.

Making of these prototypes is possible into any shape they desire because you can shape the material however you like. It’s not common yet, but eco-friendly packaging may be on its way.

5. Mushroom Packages 

You may not believe this, but certain mushroom parts can be ideal for packaging. The inedible mushroom roots are good in the mushroom packages, in contrast to the controversy over cornstarch and seaweed packages. It is reasonable therefore to expect that mushroom prices will remain relatively stable since humans and packaging aren’t competing for the same resource.

Many of the cost factors with eco-friendly materials used to be a concern in the past, but the costs have gone down in recent years. Those who wish to go green can now do so more easily. Your customers and brands benefit from custom boxes, which makes them easier to tailor to their needs.

In this list, you will find some alternatives to cardboard boxes quickly and easily. However, there are many ways to switch to environmentally friendly materials.