The global paper-based packaging market is growing and by 2028 is expected to be worth USD 503.1 billion.[1] Reuse and recyclability are now key demands in many markets, so how can manufacturers demonstrate their paper-based packaging products are truly ‘green’?

Packaging is important. It does more than just protect products; it also provides information about the contents and messaging about quality – high-quality packaging equates to a high-quality product in the mind of the consumer.
A primary growth area for paper-based packaging is food contact packaging. The food contact packaging sector as a whole, incorporating all material types, is expected to grow from USD 331 billion in 2021 to USD 478 billion in 2028, with much of that growth predicted to be in the emerging markets of Asia and Latin America.
Paper-based packaging constitutes the largest share of this market, with primary drivers being its adoption as a packaging material for a wide range of readily eatable foods, fresh vegetables and beverages, and its inherent sustainability. [2]
Sustainability
50% of consumers now view sustainability as a ‘top 5 value driver,’ with 34% saying they are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services.[3] This push towards sustainability does not end with the product, it also includes the packaging.
We are all more aware than ever before of the negative impacts of some packaging materials. Governments, industry and consumers are alert to the issues surrounding packaging waste, especially single-use plastics, and are actively looking for alternatives.
Paper-based packaging makes a sensible alternative. There is a lot more to paper-based packaging than just paper bags. It can be formed into a variety of packaging types, including corrugated cardboard, folding cardboard boxes, pulp molded packaging, cartons, mailers/pouches and cushioning.
Also, consumers appreciate the advantages of paper-based packaging, such as:
Widely recyclable
Often contains recycled materials
Bio-based – sourced from renewable plant materials and not fossil fuels
Better biodegradability
Can be made compatible with industrial composting
Facilitates food composting – easier channeling of food waste to composting
Global initiatives
Governments around the world are introducing legislation to encourage packaging recycling and the use of more sustainable options. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program to encourage federal agencies to buy more sustainable products.[4] Similarly, Australian Federal Procurement Rules say packaging materials must contain at least 50% recycled materials, with paper packaging having a recycling content of 60%.
In Europe, France is leading the way with laws such as its Anti-Waste Law for a circular economy (AGEC), with progressive bans on single-use plastics, causing increased demand for paper alternatives. France has also introduced Decree 2022-748 (effective May 1, 2022), a mandatory directive requiring the proportion of recycled material to be identified and offer a 10% tax discount to manufacturers with paper packaging that has a recycled fiber content of over 50%.
As consumers and government authorities push for more sustainable packaging options, the industry needs to respond in a way that is trusted and transparent. The only way to ensure paper-based packaging conforms to required standards for safety, performance and sustainability is through independent testing and audits.
SGS solution
SGS provides a comprehensive range of safety, performance and sustainability testing and certification services to help manufacturers gain commercial advantage in competitive global markets for paper-based packaging products.
Sustainability testing solutions cover:
Recyclability – INGEDE 11 & 12 Grant No:4CE555P3
Ecotoxicity & biodegradability (for paper products containing plastics) – ISO 14855-1:2012; GB/T 19277.1-2011; ASTM D5338-15(2021)
Industrial compostability – EN 13432; ASTM D6400; GB/T 28206
Recycled content – paper (secondary fiber analysis), plastics
Over-packaging evaluation – GB 23350
Plastic-free assessment
Performance testing includes:
Tensile properties – ASTM D828-16; AS NZS 1301.448S:2007; GB/T 12914-2018; ISO 1924-2-2008; ISO 1924-3:2005
Corrugated fiberboard glue bonding area water resistance test – FEFCO Testing Method No. 9
Corrugated board edge compression test – GB/T 6546/2021
Quantitative measurement – ISO 536:2021; GB/T 451.2-2002
Moisture control – GB/T 462-2008
pH test – GB/T 1545-2008 Method A/B
Grease/oil resistance – TAPPI T559, ISO 16532-1, GB/T 22805.1
Water absorption – TAPPI T441, ISO 287, GB/T 1540
Hygiene tests – EN 1104, GB 4806.8, GB/T 5009.78
Transit tests – ISTA procedures, ASTM D4169, NMFC Item 181
SGS also offers assessments against a variety of paper/wood certification schemes, including Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI).
SGS Green Mark
The SGS Green Mark shows a product has been independently verified as meeting its attributed claims. It can be used on a wide variety of products, including paper-based packaging, and provides clarity to all customers, whether they are end-consumers or next tier suppliers.
Each claimed attribute is evaluated in accordance with specific protocols, with assessments often using specific ISO test methods and the standards governing:
Environmental labels and declarations — Self-declared environmental claims (ISO 14021)
Conformity assessment — Fundamentals of product certification and guidelines for product certification schemes (ISO 17067)
The assessment considers market legislation and the environmental claims the manufacturer wishes to make. These might include industrial compostable, recycled content, biodegradability or bio-based materials (if the paper-based packaging contains plastics).
Certified products are then eligible to carry the SGS Green Mark, which has multiple advantages for both manufacturers and consumers.
For manufacturers:
Provides third-party credibility to single-attribute environmental claims, facilitating trust and confidence
Differentiates their product in markets where greenwashing may be a problem
Enhances their brand image by showing their commitment to the environment
Builds confidence in their products
Allows them to select the positive environmental attribute most relevant to their product, enabling focused communications
Reduces costs by having a centralized testing and certification process
For consumers, it makes it easier to identify a product that is sustainable and conforms to their requirements.
www.sgs.com

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