Features and advantages of using paper/cardboard in packaging, as well as its subsequent recycling, compared to plastic reciclarse, frente a solo un 34 % que se inclina por envases reutilizables de plástico recargables. La preferencia por el cartón continúa en ascenso: en 2025, el 89 % lo elige frente al 87 % en 2024. Desde ASPACK, reiteramos nuestro compromiso con la sostenibilidad y con la promoción de soluciones de envasado que aporten valor medioambiental real, como es el caso del cartón, cuyo comportamiento en términos de cambio climático, eficiencia de recursos y circularidad está respaldado por datos objetivos y verificables. The climate change performance of cardboard packaging, in terms of resource efficiency and circularity, is supported by objective and verifiable data, which is why ASPACK acts as a promoter of cardboard packaging for its environmental benefits. Cardboard packaging is the best packaging solution from an environmental perspective, as it is made from renewable or recycled materials, using less energy than any other packaging material. Cardboard packaging is, by nature, environmentally friendly. Made from wood, virgin fiber board is the only natural and renewable packaging material. In addition to the fact that cardboard manufacturing in Europe comes from sustainable farms, part of the energy used to process the wood is extracted from byproducts and is therefore renewable. Cardboard packaging can be recycled, added to compost, or converted into energy. At the same time, the use of fossil fuels has been significantly reduced in recent years, virtually eliminating the pollution caused by the process. The manufacturing process for cardboard cartons is also environmentally friendly. Cardboard cartons consume less than half the energy needed to produce a tin can and a third of that needed to make a PET bottle; and because the cartons can be stacked, they save energy in transportation, storage, and distribution. In Western Europe, more than 55% of the cardboard produced is made from recycled fibers. The raw material used is recovered paper and cardboard from manufacturing scraps, newspaper and magazine returns, used telephone directories, and selective collection. Once used, the cardboard carton can be folded or crumpled, allowing for easy disposal. In addition to being a recyclable material, it also generates energy that can be used for other industrial purposes, while another portion biodegrades naturally. According to data from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) study, within the HORECA sector: -The climate change impact of single-use paper-based packaging is always lower than that of reusable packaging, regardless of whether outdated 2011 data on carton production is used or more recent and accurate data provided by the industry. -In the context of takeaway, single-use paper-based packaging has a better impact on water use and a more favorable overall environmental impact when more recent and accurate data on carton manufacturing is used. This clearly supports the complete elimination of mandatory reuse targets for paper-based food and beverage packaging in the takeaway channel. The European Parliament's position already contemplates this elimination. Regarding in-store consumption, a sensitivity analysis has been carried out that takes into account different recycling rates of single-use paper packaging. - According to data from the JRC study, even using outdated data from 2011, the climate impact of paper packaging is lower than that of reusable packaging when a recycling rate of 80% or 70% is reached in restaurants. Even a 50% recycling rate is sufficient for single-use packaging to have a lower climate impact than reusable packaging when consumed in stores. Furthermore, the most recent data from Pro Carton's European Consumer Packaging Perception Study 2025 confirms that European consumers continue to actively opt for sustainable packaging solutions such as cartonboard: • 38% of consumers have actively reduced their purchases of products packaged in plastic, and 62% have increased their recycling practices. • The majority (67%) believe that recycling is the most effective practice against climate change, followed by planting trees (61%). • Cardboard is perceived overwhelmingly favorably over plastic: 89% of consumers would choose a cardboard product if the same plastic option were available. • 54% of consumers have switched products or brands because the packaging was not recyclable, and 31% have done so because of the use of plastic. • 62% believe companies should use more natural and renewable materials. • When it comes to packaging preferences, 66% prefer brands to develop single-use cardboard packaging that can be recycled, compared to only 34% who prefer reusable, refillable plastic packaging. The preference for cardboard continues to rise: in 2025, 89% will choose it compared to 87% in 2024. At ASPACK, we reiterate our commitment to sustainability and to promoting sustainable packaging solutions that provides real environmental value, such as cardboard, whose performance in terms of climate change, resource efficiency and circularity is supported by objective and verifiable data. Pablo Serrano, general secretary of ASPACK 39 TEMA CENTRAL I MAIN TOPIC
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