The Hipster's Guide to Paper Versus Plastic

The Hipster's Guide to Paper Versus Plastic

Most generations can point to a subculture that helped highlight the major moments of a certain time period. What was once the Hippie movement of the 1960s has evolved into the Hipster culture of today.

The term "hipster" is a broad definition of adults in their 20s to 30s who gravitate toward similar interests in music, fashion, technology and lifestyles. So, why are brands paying attention to this generation of millennials? It could be because millennials in the U.S. wield about $1.3 trillion in annual buying power, according to Boston Consulting Group.

To better reach environmentally focused millennials, businesses are in a position to reconsider the products they use and their impact on the environment. 

One way to get started is by evaluating the use of paper and plastic in your business, as they can have a direct impact on the environment and purchasing decisions of your customers. 

For example, here are some eye-opening facts about plastic you may not have considered before: 

  • Plastic is photodegradable (broken down by sunlight) rather than biodegradable (broken down by living organisms.) That means that plastic in a landfill can take up to 1,000 years or more to disappear.
  • Plastic can’t be digested, whereas paper generally can. As a result, plastic waste that makes it into bodies of water or is picked up by birds or animals is far more likely to cause harm.
  • Only about 7.1% of the plastic consumed in the United States is recovered for recycling, as compared to 63.5% of the paper consumed.

Customers care about their purchasing decisions. 

In an era of recycled products, eco-friendly practices, "going green", and rustic trends, providing paper products makes an impact on customer satisfaction. This decision also affects their willingness to select a company that chooses environmentally conscience options for common needs like shipping materials, food wrap or retail displays.

In fact, according to a recent Nielsen study, "Fifty-five percent of global online consumers across 60 countries say they are willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies that are committed to positive social and environmental impact."

For the food service industry, which do you think appears more environmentally responsible to your customer: a deli display case filled with Styrofoam containers or lined with clean white butcher paper

For the packaging and shipping industry, is a package covered in bubble wrap or shrink wrap as appealing to eco-friendly customers or companies as items crisply wrapped in natural kraft paper?

For the retail industry, would customers prefer to see plastic displays and banners, or custom-printed and recyclable, natural paper announcing your latest sales or showcasing your product line?

Using paper for these types of applications, and many more, can leave a positive impression in the minds of environmentally conscious buyers. If you’re interested in learning how to reduce the amount of plastic you currently use by switching over to paper-based alternatives, contact one of Oren International's experienced paper converting experts.

Rita Gori

Managing Director at Cugini Paper Traders Ltd

2y

Mark there is a new wrapping concept out in which you can use stretchwrapper kraft paper for pallets. contact me for more infomation . Its a European product.

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We agree the fact's that companies choose environmentally conscience options, because our customers are seeking it!

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