Cartonboard converters are challenged to balance cost with creating a high-quality package that offers visual appeal while protecting its contents. For carton converters, lightweighting material is a simple solution to maximize sustainability while minimizing costs. In fact, lowering package weight can save costs all along the value chain, from sourcing and production to transport and waste handling. However, switching to a lighter-weight board should be predicated by some considerations.
For example, how could material reduction affect the structural integrity and performance of the package along the supply chain? How should the material switch be implemented, and what impact could a lighter-weight material have on the speed and efficiency of equipment on the packaging line? Will the switch impact the recyclability of the packaging? And, importantly, are there any resulting costs?