When it comes to packaging solid products, paper is a versatile and eco-friendly option that offers numerous benefits. When considering how to package our natural, environmentally friendly soaps, lotion bars and solid shampoos, we obviously wanted to ensure the packaging reflected the contents.
Although we have the option of ‘naked’ soaps, this isn’t always practical; you may be giving away a bar as a gift and you need it to look ‘finished’, you may want to store your excess soap for a while before using, you want to protect it from dust and dirt; packaging has its place… but it needs to be the right choice.
In our packaging repertoire we use two popular types of paper packaging - glassine paper and greaseproof paper - come with us as we explore and explain why we use these as environmentally friendly packaging options for these solid products.
What is Glassine Paper?
Glassine paper is a smooth and glossy paper that is translucent and resistant to air and water. It is made from cellulose fibers, typically derived from wood pulp that is pressed, dried and processed to ensure the fibres all lie in the same direction. This creates the smooth finish that prevents grease and moisture from penetrating the layers. Despite the shiny look and feel of glassine, it is 100% paper and not coated or waxed, meaning it is fully recyclable.
It is pH neutral and acid-free due to its manufacturing process which makes it easily recyclable, compostable and biodegradeable.
What is Greaseproof Paper?
Greaseproof paper, as the name suggests, is resistant to grease and oil, making it ideal for packaging food items. Typically, greaseproof paper is made from bleached kraft pulp, which is then treated with a special coating to make it grease-resistant.
However, our greaseproof paper is made from FSC-certified wood pulp which is thoroughly pressed to produce a closed structure of tightly woven fibres that gives the paper resistance to oils and fats, without the need for any additional coating.
The greaseproof paper sheets we use to wrap our bars of soap are certified 100% compostable and recyclable. This means that you can treat it like standard paper and recycle or compost it in your kerbside collection.
How Versatile is Paper for Packaging?
Paper is an incredibly versatile material for packaging solid products. Paper packaging is available in various forms:
- Boxes
- Bags
- Sheets
- Wraps
- Pouches
It can be easily molded, folded, and cut to create custom packaging solutions for a wide range of products. This versatility makes paper suitable for different types of products and industries.
Environmental Benefits of Paper Packaging
One of the key advantages of using paper for packaging is its environmental sustainability. Paper is biodegradable, recyclable, and renewable, making it a more eco-friendly option compared to plastic or foam packaging. By choosing paper packaging, we can reduce our environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Furthermore, the production of paper packaging typically requires less energy and resources compared to other materials, further reducing its environmental footprint. Paper packaging can also be easily recycled and reused, helping to minimize waste and conserve natural resources.
If you are looking to minimise the amount of packaging your products come with, paper wrappers are a great option. Both lightweight and recyclable, but offering protection from dirt and keeping it fresh, or looking nice to give as a gift. Overall, paper offers us the combination of versatility, functionality, and environmental benefits that make it our preferred choice for packaging our solid products.