Assignment:
In considering materials for a retail package (one that will be displayed on the shelf in a retail environment), discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using paper packaging and the advantages and disadvantages of using plastic packaging for this purpose.
Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 250 words. Please post more than 2 reply responses of 100 or more words to your classmates or the instructor. Responses should be a minimum of 100 words and include direct questions.
Part 1
We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of paper and plastic packaging for retail purposes. Flying overseas for work makes me appreciate the packaging options we have in the United States when it comes to prolonging our food purchases. Plastic packaging is everywhere in retail because of the durable nature and the superior ability to preserve and protect items. Plastic packaging offers retailers the opportunity in creating unique shapes and sizes that tie with a particular design or marketing campaign.
Plastic packaging offers items such as perishable food, the ability to prolong freshness and protect them from pollutants. Plastic packaging however, has huge environmental disadvantages over paper packaging. Plastic packaging is not biodegradable and it has a huge a huge carbon footprint when it is produced. Therefore, you will see more cities all around the world force retailers to curb their carbon footprint with the introduction of plastic packaging bans and added taxes (Crimaldi, 2018).
Paper packaging is much more environmentally friendly because of the biodegradable content on how it is put together and disposed of. Paper packaging however, is not as durable and sturdy as plastic packaging. Moisture and other environmental factors renders paper packaging non- optimal because of the rapid breakdown of the integrity of properly protecting contents being packaged or carried. Costs associated with producing paper or plastic packaging plays a huge role on which method is better for the manufacturer, retailer, and consumer.
For instance, if the paper packaging costs more than the plastic packaging, in terms of overall costs; manufacturers and retailers will pick the option that will be the cheapest option. This may not be the best result for the consumer that will demand a packaging that protects and prolongs the shelf life of the contents they are buying. Both packaging options offer their pros and cons but clearly in my opinion, I would be willing to pay more to ensure I protect the environment that we live on.
References:
Crimaldi, L. (2018). Boston gears up for plastic bag ban: Website about new ordinance is coming soon. Boston Globe
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Part 2
When discussing packaging there are many considerations that must be taken. Cost, durability, reusability, printability, etc. are all topics to think about. However, there are even more things to think about when discussing retail packaging. Paper based packaging for retail has numerous advantages and disadvantages. Think about cereal boxes. Cereal boxes are made of either cardboard or paper stock and most the time are extremely colorful.
First, utilizing paper for retail packaging is an extremely cost efficient method of packaging to manufacture. Also, paper is very easily printed on for logos and labels. Paper-based retail packages are easily recycled, which is great for the environment. Paper also does not transfer chemicals or other materials into the product.
However, there are disadvantages of utilizing paper packing for retail. First, paper-based retail packaging is not very durable and does not provide the product with a large amount of protection. Also, in order to reuse the packaging, it must be recycled and turned back into a box or container.
Plastic based packaging for retail use also has it's own advantages and disadvantages. Plastic is fairly inexpensive to manufacture as a retail package, it is extremely durable, and protects the product well. However, plastic is not environmentally friendly. The chemicals and carbon footprint is an extremely large disadvantage to utilizing plastic as a retail package. Plastic cannot be easily printed on. Plastic retail packages often need paper or paper-based materials wrapped around in order for advertising. Chemicals can be transferred to the product enclosed depending on the item. The greatest advantage to plastic retail packaging is the durability and recyclability.
Reference
Projeqt. (n. d.) The Advantages and Disadvantages of Paper Food Box.