Wax coatings are being used less frequently in corrugated packaging, according to a new study released recently. Waxed corrugated packaging accounted for just 3% of all volume last year.
Since wax usage as first tracked in 2002, wax coated corrugated packaging has dropped 39%.
This dramatic decrease is attributed to a wider availability of recyclable alternatives, according to Dennis Colley, executive director of the Corrugated Packaging Alliance.
“Corrugated is the most reliable, cost-effective and sustainable package available for transporting most products, including those requiring moisture protection such as fresh produce,” Colley said. “Even those boxes can be made with recyclable materials. The continuous decrease in wax coatings to below 3% of total industry volume means that renewable, recyclable corrugated can be used for even the most demanding applications.
The report also found that:
- Since October, 47 recyclable wax alternative have passed certification testing for repulpability and recylcability and have been registered with the Fibre Box Association.
- Progress has been made in replacing all types of waxed corrugated packaging, including cascaded, impregnated and curtain-coated.
- Last year, the corrugated industry shipped more than 9.9 billion square feet of boxes using recyclable wax alternative coatings, a 653% increase over 2002.
- Certified registrations have been completed by 7 commercial coating suppliers and 12 converting companies offering proprietary products.