In today’s sustainability-conscious world, businesses are rethinking their packaging materials in order to minimize environmental impact, and switching to recycled materials is one way many brands are achieving this. It is a common assumption among both consumers and businesses that recycled material is always more sustainable than virgin fiber. The word “recycled” has become almost synonymous to “sustainable”. However, while recycled material is a great eco-friendly packaging option for many products, there are many cases where the opposite is actually true.
Virgin fiber, derived from sustainably managed forests, is critical not just for packaging durability but also for maintaining a healthy, renewable supply of material in the circular economy. Here’s why virgin material can be a sustainable choice for paperboard packaging.
Virgin Fiber in the Circular Economy
Virgin fiber plays a pivotal role in maintaining the lifecycle of packaging materials. While recycled fiber is essential for sustainability, it can only be reused about 5-7 times before the fiber degrades and loses its structural integrity. Without the addition of virgin fiber, the supply of recycled materials would be depleted within 8-13 months. Virgin fiber from sustainably managed forests supports the ongoing cycle by contributing new material that offsets this depletion, keeping the recycling loop in motion.
Sustainable Virgin Fiber Production
Sustainably harvested virgin fiber has a lower environmental impact than many people realize. Sustainable forestry practices—such as selective harvesting, replanting, and maintaining biodiversity—help enhance the ecological benefits of using virgin fiber. These practices ensure that virgin fiber production contributes to long-term forest ecosystem health. There are two main organizations in the U.S. that provide certifications for sustainably sourced virgin fiber, giving both business and their customers reassurance that their packaging has a minimal impact on the environment.
Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)
FSC® is an international non-profit organization that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. It sets standards to ensure that forests are managed in ways that preserve biodiversity, ensure the wellbeing of local communities and workers, and maintain economic viability. FSC® certification provides a system for businesses and consumers to verify that forest products come from responsibly managed forests that meet these standards. (FSC® C149826)
Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®)
SFI® is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable forest management and conservation across North America. SFI® works with landowners, forest product companies, conservation groups, and communities to ensure that forests are managed in a way that balances environmental, social, and economic concerns.
Benefits of Virgin Fiber
While recycled material is a great eco-friendly option in many instances, there are also several applications where virgin fiber not only offers higher performance, but also wins in terms of sustainability.
Lower Emissions & Energy Usage
Virgin fiber production also often involves fewer energy-intensive stages compared to recycled fibers. Since virgin fiber doesn’t require de-inking and other cleaning processes like recycled materials, it can be more energy-efficient. When combined with renewable energy, virgin fiber production can result in a much smaller carbon footprint than expected. When choosing packaging materials, businesses should conduct a life-cycle assessment (LCA), accounting for the entire process, including transportation and energy use.
Packaging Performance
When strength and durability is a priority for your packaging, virgin fiber is the clear winner. As recycled fibers are reused, they gradually lose strength, making virgin fiber indispensable for ensuring packaging integrity. This is particularly important in sectors where packaging must meet strict standards for durability. In many cases, the combination of virgin and recycled fibers can allow companies to innovate by creating mixed-fiber packaging that strikes the right balance between sustainability and performance.
Choosing the Right Fiber Mix
When deciding on packaging materials, businesses should conduct an LCA and consider a range of factors, including the strength and durability required, as well as the environmental impact. Using a combination of virgin and recycled fibers often provides the best solution, offering both sustainability and high performance. By carefully selecting the fiber mix, companies can meet their environmental standards without sacrificing quality.
Conclusion
Virgin fiber remains an essential part of sustainable packaging solutions. Sustainable practices in virgin fiber production make it an environmentally sound choice for businesses looking to reduce their ecological footprint. The strength and durability of virgin fiber, as well as its role in maintaining the circular economy, make it a critical resource, especially when paired with recycled fibers. By balancing the use of virgin and recycled materials, companies can create packaging that not only performs well but also supports long-term environmental sustainability.
Wondering what balance of recycled and virgin material would be best for your product? Talk to a packaging expert at Wynalda!
