We’re hearing it more and more from our clients: how do we cut back on single-use plastics without compromising the protection our products need?
It’s a fair question. There’s pressure coming from all sides - new regulations, corporate sustainability targets, and customer expectations. At SmartShield, we’ve been supporting clients through the transition in ways that are practical, scalable, and genuinely sustainable. And time and again, one material keeps delivering: recycled kraft paper.
Why do we keep coming back to it? Because it’s strong, it’s flexible, and when used right, it does the job of plastic, without the guilt, waste, or long-term cost to the environment.
Here are six smart strategies you can use to start reducing single-use plastics in your packaging, backed by what we’ve seen work best in industrial settings.
Reducing single-use plastic in packaging doesn’t have to mean doing everything at once. The smartest first step is identifying where plastic is being used, and where it doesn’t need to be.
Consider your use of air pillows, bubble, or foam. These materials often show up in large volumes across industrial setups and typically go straight to landfill. In situations where the highest protection levels aren’t necessary, recycled kraft paper can be a practical alternative for void fill and light cushioning, reducing plastic use while still protecting your products.
Other paper-based options are great swaps too. Acid-free options are available for longer-term storage needs where surface preservation matters. Newsprint, meanwhile, is a smooth, recycled material that works well as wrapping, separation layers, or crumpled void fill. And both are budget-friendly ways to ease into a lower-plastic packaging plan.
Recycled kraft paper isn’t just paper, it’s a tough, versatile material that flexes for a range of light-duty protective uses in your packaging line.
While kraft paper is most commonly used crumpled as void fill or for wrapping products inside boxes, it can also help reduce plastic by replacing foam or bubble wrap when high protection levels aren’t required.
For heavier-duty applications requiring structure and rigidity, corrugated cardboard is your go-to solution. We’ve helped clients create:
Corrugated cardboard dividers pair seamlessly with kraft paper wraps or void fill to protect parts in multi-item kits or boxed shipments, maintaining separation and reducing shifting.
For specialized needs, VCI kraft paper is another option worth considering. This protective paper is treated with vapor corrosion inhibitors and is ideal for wrapping metal components during storage or shipment—no degreasing needed, and a cleaner alternative to petroleum-based rust preventatives.
Note: While kraft and corrugated solutions are ideal for many protective packaging needs, where advanced impact protection or moisture resistance is required, engineered materials may still be necessary.
Staying compliant can often feel like chasing a moving target. But switching to recyclable materials like kraft paper helps you tick a lot of boxes at once.
As new rules and EPR schemes roll out across North America, clients who’ve already moved away from plastic are in a much stronger position. And recycled kraft paper is one of the easiest ways to build sustainability into your packaging without overhauling your process.
Many of our clients want to reduce plastics, but only if their packaging still performs. The good news? With the right solutions, you can cut plastics while maintaining protection and efficiency.
Recyclable kraft paper, for example, can:
For heavier loads or situations needing structure and high shock protection, pairing kraft paper wraps with corrugated cardboard dividers or pads can help reduce plastics without compromising the strength you need.
Bottom line? You can reduce your plastic use while maintaining reliable, practical packaging, without a complete system overhaul.
Using recycled kraft opens the door to more circular packaging systems. Many of our clients are now recovering paper-based materials from their own supply chain and feeding them back into production.
This creates real savings, not just in cost, but in waste and emissions. Plus, it helps show progress toward internal ESG and CSR goals, which are becoming increasingly visible in B2B relationships.
Kraft paper itself is recyclable up to seven times, and recycled kraft is a 100% post-consumer solution, making it an ideal material to use in a closed-loop system.
VCI (Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor) kraft paper is high-quality kraft paper saturated with corrosion inhibitors. It protects metal components from rust during storage or shipment by slowly releasing protective vapours that form an invisible barrier against moisture and oxygen.
VCI paper releases corrosion-inhibiting compounds into the air within enclosed spaces (boxes, crates, packages). These vapours form a protective layer on metal surfaces, preventing rust and corrosion without needing messy petroleum-based rust preventatives. After unpacking, no degreasing or cleaning is required, saving time and labour.
For effective protection, the metal component should be within 12 inches of the VCI paper inside the enclosed space.
VCI kraft paper is primarily used for ferrous metals (steel and iron). For specific applications or mixed metals, it is recommended to speak with a packaging specialist to ensure the correct VCI formulation for your needs.
Cutting single-use plastics in your packaging strategy doesn’t have to be all or nothing. By testing kraft and paper-based alternatives on select lines first, you can reduce plastic waste while maintaining protection and efficiency.
Kraft and paper-based solutions can replace many plastics in your packaging while improving circularity and reducing landfill waste. But it’s also important to recognise their limits: for heavy-duty, moisture-sensitive, or high-value shipments, engineered protective materials may still be necessary.
At SmartShield, we design practical, scalable packaging transitions that meet your sustainability goals while keeping your products safe, whether you’re shipping robotics, sensitive equipment, or other high-value components.
Ready to rethink what’s possible with paper? Let’s find the right strategy for your operations together.