Paperboard Packaging and the environment

Is paperboard a superior choice for the environment?

Of all packaging materials, only paper and paperboard can originate from a renewable resource, be recycled multiple times with existing infrastructure, and then burned as bio-fuel after its useful life.

Doesn’t packaging just create more waste?

Packaging actually exists to prevent waste by protecting the product inside. It also communicates important information like nutrition and allergen facts to the consumer.

Is recycled paperboard better for the environment?

Both recycled and responsibly sourced virgin materials play a vital role in sustainable packaging. Recycled board typically uses less water and energy to produce, but virgin board is stronger, often allowing for more efficient packaging with less material and weight.

Are we destroying forests to make paperboard?

Trees used for the production of paperboard are typically grown on sustainably managed plantations. In the US, forest inventory has increased 39% since 1952.^[i] Trees are grown, harvested, and replanted like any other agricultural crop, simply over a longer period of time.

Are endorsed and certified products better for the environment?

Certifications and endorsements can be a valid and useful tool for communicating with consumers. But it is important to remember that certifications tend to focus on one specific attribute, often neglecting others of equal or lesser importance. It is important to evaluate packaging from a total life-cycle perspective.

What can I do to make my packaging more environmentally friendly?

While every solution is unique, 3 of the best ways are: (1) Use the most efficient packaging possible, using the least amount of materials to get the most amount of product protection. (2) Use only responsibly sourced virgin or recycled paperboard materials. (3) Eliminate or minimize plastic coatings and windows.

Is paperboard biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable?

Paperboard is naturally capable of all of these end of life scenarios if disposed of properly. Be sure to check for facilities that recycle or compost paperboard in your area. Also be aware that modern landfills are made to preserve their contents, causing naturally biodegradable items such as paperboard to take a very long time to break down.

Are you a "Green" company?

Southern Champion Tray views stewardship of our natural resources as an essential part of what we do. To better communicate this, we have recently launched our SCT Green Initiative.  We don’t claim to be saving the planet single handedly, but we are dedicated to working with our customers to create a more sustainable future for our community, our environment, and our businesses.

Are your products environmentally friendly?

Our diverse line of stock and custom items has an equally diverse environmental story to tell. Almost all of our products are made from paperboard, a renewable resource than can also be recycled multiple times. Our ChampWare line is totally chlorine free and made from bagasse, a by-product of the sugarcane refining process. For specific information on an item or line, please contact us.

What is the SCT Green Initiative?

In today’s global environment it is more important than ever to communicate the principles of stewardship that have helped shape our company. To meet this challenge, the SCT Green Initiative seeks to serve our customers by communicating our efforts, educating our customers, and developing more sustainable packaging solutions.

Is brown paperboard better for the environment than white paperboard?

Both of these paperboards are made from a renewable resource and are recyclable whenever disposed of properly. The key environmental difference between brown paperboard, “kraft,” and white paperboard, “SBS,” is a difference in processing. SBS does require more water to produce than kraft and uses a minimal amount of chlorine in the whitening process. SBS should not to be confused with the white coating on many kraft paperboards, which is made from clay.

What is paperboard made from?

Most paperboard in the U.S. originates from native tree plantations or “farms” of pine trees. The trees are broken down into small fibers and the mill will add starches and other elements to help hold the reshaped fibers together, making paperboard.

What is the smooth white coating on my paperboard packaging?

This naturally white coating is typically made from calcium carbonate (limestone) or kaolin clay, two of the most abundant minerals on earth. Many paperboard packages are coated with this “clay” to create a smooth printing surface, barrier for food, or simply a clean white look. This coating does not interfere with the natural recyclability or compostability of paperboard.

Can you help make my packaging more environmentally friendly?

Absolutely. We can help not only with material selection, but also with design changes to create the most efficient packaging possible.

Are your inks environmentally friendly?

Most of our inks are water or vegetable based and specifically made to have low levels of VOC’s (volatile organic chemicals) that used to be common in some inks.

Are your products biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable?

Paperboard is naturally capable of all of these end of life scenarios if disposed of properly. Be sure to check for facilities that recycle or compost paperboard in your area. Some of our items have a thin plastic coating that may inhibit the natural properties of paperboard, so be sure to ask about any specific item you have in mind.

Do any of your items meet LEED requirements for consumables?

Many of our stock items meet requirements for point targets as-is. And custom options are always available for any specific needs not met by our stock line.

Are your items chlorine and bleach free?

All of our items, including bleached ones, are elementally chlorine free, considered a “best practice” by the EPA. And many of our items, such as our kraft bakery boxes, are totally chlorine free. 

Do your products use genetically modified organisms (GMO’s)?

No. The North American Forest industry has used selective breeding to make trees to grow fast, tall, and straight. But no genetically modified organisms are utilized.