Metal Shortages: Why Choose Cardboard Packaging?

The availability of critical raw materials such as steel and aluminium has become increasingly uncertain. International trade tensions and growing global demand pressure have caused prices to skyrocket and reduced the supply of metals.

Given this situation, many industrial companies are asking themselves: Is it time to consider alternatives to metal in packaging? At Joaquín Alberto S.A., we believe that Kraft cardboard offers a sustainable, safe, and more economically stable solution.

The problem of metal dependency

Metal packaging appears to be a robust and universal option. However, relying exclusively on it brings with it a series of disadvantages that are increasingly weighing in the balance. From costs to environmental impact, dependence on metal can become an obstacle to business competitiveness.

Price volatility: the cost of metal drums can vary within weeks, making it difficult to plan purchases.
Environmental impact: steel and aluminium production involve very high energy consumption, which increases the carbon footprint of the supply chain.
Limited availability: In certain sectors, obtaining approved metal packaging has become a real bottleneck.

For industries that require continuity, such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or agri-food, relying on an increasingly uncertain resource poses a logistical and economic risk.

When to choose cardboard over metal?

Not all products or industries require the same type of packaging. Metal will continue to be essential in some very specific uses, but in many other cases, certified kraft cardboard is the most logical, safe, and efficient alternative.

The key is to analyse the type of product, the destination of the shipment and the regulatory requirements of each sector.

For example, for solid, powdered or granulated products, cardboard drums offer the same safety as metal drums, with the advantage of being lighter and easier to handle.

In the agri-food sector, more and more brands are opting for recyclable and reusable packaging, both to comply with European sustainability regulations and to convey environmental values to their customers.

In the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, where traceability and certification are essential, Kraft cardboard is already an approved alternative that reduces dependence on metal without compromising safety.

Another point to consider is brand image. Wine, cosmetics and organic product companies find cardboard drums to be a more consistent form of packaging with their philosophy, as they can be customised with labels, colours or finishes that reinforce corporate identity. Thus, the packaging not only protects, but also communicates.

In short, choosing cardboard over metal is particularly recommended when the product does not require specific metallic properties, when sustainability is part of the business strategy and when greater logistical agility is sought.

The important thing is to ask questions and evaluate each case individually, with the support of technical advice to ensure that the decision not only complies with regulations but also adds value to the supply chain.

Sector / Product	Current situation	Advantages of kraft paper
Solid, powdered or granulated products	Metal guarantees safety, but adds weight and makes handling difficult.	Same safety with less weight, easier to transport and handle.
Agri-food	Increasing European regulatory pressure on sustainability and recyclability.	Recyclable and reusable packaging that reinforces our environmental commitment to customers and distributors.
Pharmacist and chemist	High standards in traceability, certification and safety.	Approved alternative that reduces dependence on metal without compromising technical or regulatory guarantees.
Wine, cosmetics and organic products	Need for consistency between product and packaging, as well as differentiation in the market.	Customisation (labels, colours, finishes) that reinforces corporate identity and communicates brand values.
Logistics and costs	Metal increases the total weight of the shipment and raises transport costs.	Greater lightness, savings in transport and greater logistical agility.

Cardboard as a strategy for the future

The shortage of metals is not a temporary phenomenon. Companies that diversify their packaging today will be better prepared for tomorrow. Kraft fibre drums not only guarantee safety and sustainability: they also provide resilience and differentiation in an increasingly demanding market.

At Joaquín Alberto, we have been supporting companies that need safe, approved and sustainable packaging for over 40 years. If your company is considering alternatives to metal, we would be delighted to study your case and propose the best solution.

You may also be interested in: