A recently released life-cycle assessment report says the corrugated packaging industry has substantially reduced the environmental impacts associated with corrugated cardboard boxes, revealing a 50% per unit reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 2006 and 2020, according to a news release.
“Reducing carbon emissions is the most important thing we can do for a more sustainable future,” Corrugated Packaging Alliance Executive Director Bob McIlvaine said in the release. “Additional improvements in land, air and water indicators highlight the industry’s progress and reaffirm our long-standing commitment to sustainable manufacturing across operations.”
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The corrugated industry continues to prioritize sustainability through science-based goals and innovation, according to the release. As society faces increasingly urgent environmental challenges, the corrugated industry remains committed to making positive change for our world, the release said.
Tracking corrugated packaging impacts
The assessment analyzed the cradle-to-grave circular life cycle of an average corrugated cardboard box made in the U.S. in 2020 and was conducted for the Corrugated Packaging Alliance by Anthesis and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement. The assessment estimated impacts to land, air and water based upon developing new materials, manufacturing of those materials into products, the distribution and use of the products and end-of-life outcome, according to the release.
What’s more, according to the report, meaningful reductions in ozone depletion (13%), energy usage (13%), water usage (18%), acid rain (41%), smog (44%), respiratory effects (54%) and eutrophication (30%) were tracked for the corrugated packaging industry.
Corrugated packaging’s progress was made, according to the report, through energy improvements, strong recycling infrastructure, sustainably managed forests and a commitment to continuous improvement. The industry continues to shift to cleaner-burning fuel, has increased its participation in a greener U.S. electric grid and made investments in energy efficiency, the release said.
The introduction of new, fresh fibers from sustainably managed forests drives the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, according to the release, and the use of old corrugated containers also has contributed to the avoidance of carbon dioxide and methane emissions from landfills. The combination of both new, fresh fibers and recycled fibers maximizes fiber reuse and enables circularity, the release said, which added that sustainability commitments of companies in the industry also are driving progress.
“Sustainable practices are at the foundation of the paper and wood products industry,” Heidi Brock, American Forest & Paper Association president and CEO, said in the release. “Our industry has a long track record of sustainability leadership, and we are committed to making continued progress on quantifiable sustainability goals as part of the Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 initiative. This life cycle assessment reflects a long-standing commitment to sustainable manufacturing furthering the circular nature of our industry.”
