Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS) microplastics are widely recognised as a significant contributor to marine plastic pollution, making up over 40% of plastic debris on Asian beaches.1 Bans on EPS packaging have gained tremendous momentum recently, particularly in the European Union and the wider Caribbean region.2,3 Legislation banning the use of EPS packaging has also been introduced in Fiji, the Philippines, and regions in the United States, just to name a few.4,5,6

With the ongoing development of the United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution, governments from over 170 nations are working toward policy measures to combat the negative environmental impacts of hard-to-recycle plastics. The introduction of bans, levies, and increased disposal fees for EPS packaging materials will continue to be on trend for the foreseeable future, especially in regions lacking recycling infrastructure.

Corrugated packaging solutions are 100% recyclable and 100% compostable, making them the ideal packaging material. What’s more, Mondi’s corrugated packaging solutions include a wide portfolio of corrugated boxes made of recycled fibers. Paper-based packaging boasts an impressive 82.5% recycling rate in Europe, outperforming the combined recycling rates of all other packaging materials.7 The recycling value of corrugated packaging has enormous potential worldwide. Paper fiber can be recycled with good quality many times, keeping fibers in circulation.8,9