Kraft Drums vs. Plastic Drums
Every year millions of tonnes of plastic are discarded bringing with it the challenge of waste management, with the prospect of sustainability measures in packaging becoming increasingly necessary.
Large companies have focused their attention on eco-friendly measures and reducing the use of plastic in both production and packaging.
For example, the Spanish brand Café Novell undertook an ambitious green project to produce coffee capsules from biodegradable materials, while completely reducing the use of its plastic flowpack packaging.
While companies have set as part of their goals to reduce the use of plastic at the manufacturing level, initiatives to achieve sustainable packaging measures are just as important.
In this sense, the use of Kraft drums is an excellent alternative to reduce the carbon footprint of industries, this is possible because it is a biodegradable material with lower CO2 emissions.
Crises such as climate change have made different sectors to increase their participation in the fight for the environment, making this type of initiatives have much more added value.
Here we will talk about the competitive advantages of using environmentally friendly packaging compared to classic plastic drums.
Kraft drums and their characteristics
In this guide to Kraft drums vs plastic drums, it is important to understand the properties of both materials in order to objectively distinguish between them.
Kraft drums are manufactured from wood pulp, which makes them highly resistant to impact and certain types of liquids.
In the manufacturing process of Kraft drums, the cardboard is obtained from the “fibreboard” technique, which is what allows access to the wood pulp through the lignin and cellulose.
This is a rather complicated method that we carry out in a meticulous way to find a material that is easy to mould, which facilitates its adaptation for the creation of drums of different sizes and shapes.
Much more environmentally friendly material
The production process of Kraft drums is much more environmentally friendly compared to the production of plastic drums, making it an excellent alternative for sustainable packaging.
Generally speaking, it is a much lighter material and has a biodegradable capacity, although of course when mixed with other types of materials this capacity can be more or less altered.
These drums are now known as one of the most efficient eco-friendly packaging alternatives on the market, not only helping to reduce the carbon footprint at an industrial level, but also providing a highly useful material for business.
Heavy duty and durable drums
In addition to being an excellent measure for sustainability in packaging due to its lower polluting impact, it is a material that stands out for its strength and durability.
It is a great ally in the process of transporting and distributing different types of materials, providing protection on every journey.
Our drums have been designed following an exhaustive protocol based on ADR measures (Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).
Investing in these environmentally friendly containers leads to savings by taking into account their maximum guarantees in terms of durability.
Guaranteed versatility and customisability
A few years ago, the use of Kraft drums was mostly focused on the management of industry, being efficient in the distribution of chemicals and different types of liquids.
The good news is that the development of these environmentally friendly containers and their acceptance in the market has been increasing over time, and today it is easy to perceive them in multiple sectors.
Even in pharmaceutical practices, the use of these containers is widely accepted, demonstrating their commercial versatility and their ability to meet the most ambitious market demands.
We focus our efforts on promoting useful resources for the green packaging industry, which is why we adapt to different types of needs by varying the size and shape of our packaging.
But that’s not all, as we combine sustainability measures in packaging with the most innovative packaging practices. Kraft drums can be 100% customised with screen printing and other techniques.
This is an excellent alternative for companies that wish to position themselves as a benchmark in the sector and transmit confidence to their consumers.
According to a study by Bain & Company, 71% of European consumers prefer to buy sustainable products. And if we add to this the benefits of personalisation in packaging, the results are even more promising.
Optimises protection in packaging management
Practices that lead to the reduction of the carbon footprint of companies are elementary, but industry also cannot reduce those aspects that can lead to commercial losses.
Fortunately, the use of ecological drums with Kraft cardboard is a good option to avoid losses, since due to its properties it confers maximum protection to the products or elements transferred in its packaging, preventing damage due to impacts or packaging failures.
But that’s not all, as the packaging also makes it easy to store and transport, contributing to the reduction of costs linked to logistics in companies.
Design aligned with international standards
All stages in the production of recyclable cardboard drums are carried out in compliance with international trade and transport regulations.
In addition, we have models with characteristics adapted to the type of material to be transported (whether solid or liquid), taking into account the density of the material and its most important aspects.
Plastic drums: pros and cons
The environmental impact of plastic packaging is one of the main challenges faced by many companies, which, in order to curb the consequences of the use of this material, have opted to focus on recycling.
The generation of this packaging and packaging waste reveals some very critical data with regard to the preservation of the environment.
And leading global brands such as Amazon and Nike have decided to do their bit by reducing the use of polluting materials in this type of management.
Although many measures have been implemented and today this is a much more appreciated and discussed topic, the excessive use of plastic is still a reality. Below, we present the benefits and main considerations of plastic use in industries.
Advantages of using plastic drums
Plastic is a very competent alternative for the storage of consumable products, as it creates a barrier against certain types of microbes and even UV damage.
It is a fairly lightweight material with a very evident malleability, which increases its versatility and ability to be used in multiple sectors.
The production of plastic packaging can represent a minor expense for companies, which will also depend on where the material is purchased.
Considerations on the use of plastic drums
- The most alarming thing about the use of plastic in packaging management is that it is a material that can take up to 500 years to degrade.
- Every year hundreds of thousands of kilograms of plastic end up in the oceans, causing a critical impact on the marine ecosystem through pollution.
- The production process of plastic drums generates more CO2 emissions, being much more polluting not only because of its waste management but also because of its development.
Environmental comparison
Business commitment to sustainability is an indispensable measure, even Google has estimated techniques that seek to increase the ecological sense as one of the digital marketing trends for 2024.
So taking into account the environmental impact of both materials is key to the management of any business, here are some aspects that will surely allow you to find the best alternative.
Differences in environmental degradation
Kraft cardboard is estimated to take a year to decompose, and if the material is wet it can be composted in less time. Whereas plastic waste can take hundreds of years to disappear from the planet.
Production and emission of toxic gases
The production of recyclable cardboard drums achieves lower CO2 emissions, which is a valuable resource in terms of business sustainability.
However, the creation of plastic drums not only increases the presence of polluting gases that end up in the atmosphere, but at the end of the product’s life cycle, waste management will be a challenge.
Involvement in consumer habits
This is one of the most valuable aspects when comparing the use of plastic drums and sustainable Kraft drums, as opting for materials that are biodegradable also helps to normalise their use.
Today, this material is not only an alternative of great interest to industries, but is also perceived as an excellent option by companies of different scales and focused on different sectors.
Even for those who decide to continue using plastic in their packaging measures, the recycling of packaging should not be overlooked, as it is such a strong and durable material that it can have a long service life.
Economic considerations between Kraft drums and plastic drums
To the surprise of many, cartonboard is not in all cases more expensive than plastic. And there are now a number of measures in place to reduce the environmental impact of packaging, which has led to more competitive pricing.
Both are fairly affordable alternatives in terms of cost, although it must be recognised that plastic is produced on a massive scale, which can impact its price in a positive way.
Regulations and trends
The consequences of pollution have had an impact on several levels, and it is essential to join initiatives to reverse this distressing situation.
The implementation of different regulations such as the waste law and different regulations that aim to reduce the excessive use of plastics and other polluting materials are increasingly in force.
The production of our Kraft drums is based on ADR standards, making them 100% safe for the transport of a wide variety of liquid and solid products.
As a company we strive to maintain our environmental commitment in everything we do, seeking to create an organisational culture based on these values and that transcends to the community in a positive way.
| Aspect | Kraft drums | Plastic Drums |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Degradation | Decomposition in about one year, faster when wet. | Can take up to 500 years to degrade, significant environmental impact. |
| CO2 Production and Emission | Lower CO2 emissions, more environmentally friendly. | Production with high CO2 emissions, contributes to greenhouse effect. |
| Involvement in Consumer Habits | Encourages the use of biodegradable and sustainable materials, positively influencing consumption habits. | Excessive use and inadequate management of plastic waste negatively affects the environment. |
| Economic Considerations | Cost-competitive, can be more economical depending on the sustainability policies applied. | Mass production can reduce costs, although environmental impact and future regulations may increase indirect costs. |
| Regulations and Trends | Comply with international regulations such as ADR, aligned with environmental impact reduction trends. | Subject to strict regulations to reduce their use, with an increasing focus on recycling and pollution reduction. |
In conclusion, is it worth investing in resources for sustainability in packaging?
Measures that aim to increase the level of sustainability in packaging are indispensable for start-ups and large industries alike. Fortunately, the involvement of Kraft drums has come to overcome a number of challenges.
And while it represents an investment that cannot go unnoticed, it also brings with it medium to long-term benefits that can positively impact aspects such as increased sales and brand loyalty.
There are numerous success stories of companies that have sought to reduce the use of plastic in the production and distribution of their goods, and managing towards sustainable packaging is an undeniable part of this.