Hygiene Wraps and Wicket Bags: Renewable Packaging Options for a Sustainable Future

What are hygiene wraps and wicket bags?
Hygiene wraps are typically used in the hygiene industries to ensure products remain uncontaminated and safe for use. Wicket bags, on the other hand, are a type of bag that is often used in retail and industrial settings. They are designed to be easily opened and closed, making them ideal for packaging items that need to be accessed frequently. These are often made primarily from plastic materials, which pose significant challenges for reuse and recycling, and are frequently single-use.
The environmental impact of traditional packaging
Traditional packaging, particularly those made from plastics, has a significant environmental impact. According to the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI), the use of plastic packaging is a major contributor to the accumulation of waste in the environment, which poses a threat to wildlife and ecosystems.
Moreover, traditional packaging often lacks the recyclability that is essential for a circular economy. This results in a linear lifecycle where products are used once and then discarded, leading to increased waste. The need for renewable packaging options, such as those made from wood fibers, is becoming increasingly important to mitigate these environmental impacts.
Recycling plastic presents also significant challenges. According to Statista, recycling rates vary widely across Europe, with some countries achieving high levels of recycling while others lag behind. The European Environment Agency highlights that the complexity of plastic waste streams and the presence of contaminants make recycling efforts difficult. These challenges underscore the necessity for innovative solutions and improved recycling infrastructure to enhance the effectiveness of plastic recycling in Europe.
Benefits of renewable packaging options
Renewable packaging options, such as those made from wood fibres, offer several benefits over traditional packaging. These materials can be sourced from sustainably managed forests, which aim to balance ecological, social, and economic needs.
Renewable packaging should be designed fo recycling. CEPI highlights that fibre-based packaging is the most collected and recycled packaging material in Europe, with a recycling rate of 82% in 2019. This demonstrates the potential for renewable packaging to contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
How Paptic contributes to a cleaner future
We are at the forefront of developing sustainable packaging solutions that address the environmental challenges posed by traditional packaging. By utilising renewable wood fibres, we create materials that are not only recyclable but also fit for the purpose. This approach helps to reduce reliance on plastic packaging and supports the transition to a more sustainable packaging industry.
Hygiene care products, being predominantly single-use, pose significant challenges for sustainability. Packaging for these items must prioritize protection and hygiene, often requiring complex materials and designs. While innovations have emerged to reduce plastic waste and improve recyclability, the focus on functionality raises an important question: is sustainability being sidelined in favor of meeting these essential requirements? At Paptic, our approach is to combine functionality with sustainability, enabling us to work alongside our customers to contribute to a more circular economy and align with initiatives like the 4evergreen Alliance, which aims to increase fiber-based packaging recycling rates to 90% by 2030.