Wooden packaging outperforms cardboard in new sustainability assessment

GERMANY – Wooden packaging has been shown to outperform corrugated cardboard in a recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), according to a study conducted by Géminis Tools and researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de València.

The assessment, which compared the environmental impact of both packaging types during the refrigerated transport of mandarins, reveals significant benefits of wooden over cardboard packaging.

The study, which focused on transporting 1,000 tons of mandarins by truck from Valencia to Germany—a journey of 2,000 kilometers—found that wooden packaging presents notable advantages in several key areas.

Specifically, wooden packaging demonstrated lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced water consumption, and a lower overall water footprint compared to its cardboard counterpart.

The assessment highlighted several factors contributing to these advantages. Higher energy consumption and greater water use in the recycling process of cardboard, along with the application of chemicals during recycling, increase its environmental impact.

In contrast, wooden packaging showed superior performance in terms of emissions, water eutrophication, and terrestrial acidification.

Fedemco, the Spanish Federation of Wooden Packaging and its Components, has praised the findings.

The federation noted that the European wood industry is leading the way in sustainability efforts by focusing on resource efficiency and circular design.

“The use of wooden packaging offers significant benefits for refrigerated transport of fruit and vegetable products,” said a Fedemco spokesperson.

“Wood’s resistance and strength help maintain the product’s properties, providing better protection against environmental changes.”

Additionally, Fedemco is promoting the European Ecowoox mark, which certifies the eco-design and recyclability of wooden packaging.

This certification aims to meet both national and European regulatory standards, further supporting the use of wood in packaging.

Fedemco emphasized the broader environmental benefits of using wood in packaging. “Wooden packaging supports sustainable forest management and contributes to the rural economy,” the spokesperson explained.

“It is particularly advantageous for Mediterranean forests, where the raw materials, such as pine and poplar, are sourced.”