Sustainable Packaging Solutions from Paludicultures: Potential and Challenges

Paper packaging is considered a sustainable solution and is already used as outer packaging (secondary packaging) or in direct product contact (primary packaging), for example as folding boxes and jars for hair and body care products or pallets for decorative cosmetics. They are biodegradable, recyclable and have a lower environmental impact than plastic packaging. However, the increasing demand for paper is leading to traditional raw material sources such as wood being called into question. Alternative raw material sources are therefore needed. Our research project “Paludiverpackung” is successfully investigating the use of paludicultures as an alternative raw material source for the production of sustainable paper packaging, developing efficient processes for pulp production and improvements in paper production.