As businesses and consumers prioritize greener practices, packaging is often one of the first areas companies look to make a meaningful change. Sustainable corrugated packaging has emerged as a leading solution—but is corrugated packaging truly sustainable, and how does it compare to other materials?

At Abbott-Action, our eco-friendly packaging can help you meet your environmental goals without sacrificing performance.

Are Corrugated Boxes Biodegradable?

Yes: Unlike plastic, corrugated cardboard naturally decomposes over time and can even be composted in many cases. Because corrugated boxes break down into organic materials, they don’t stay in landfills long-term and create less strain on waste management systems.

What Makes Corrugated Packaging a Sustainable Choice?

Corrugated packaging supports sustainability in multiple ways:

1. Recyclability & Reuse
   • Corrugated can be recycled up to 20+ times.
   • Boxes can often be reused before recycling, reducing demand for new material.
2. Strength + Lightweight Efficiency
   • Fluted construction maximizes durability while minimizing material use.
   • Lower weight reduces fuel consumption in transportation.
3. Custom Sizing Reduces Waste
   • Tailored packaging means fewer fillers and less material waste.
4. Reduced Environmental Impact vs. Alternatives
   • Plastic: Only 9% of plastic waste is recycled.
   • Glass: Heavier, with lower recycling rates.
   • Metal: Durable, but costly to produce and transport.

Abbott-Action’s Sustainability Initiatives Include:

• Solar Energy: Since 2014, 2,538 rooftop solar panels have generated 1.2 million kWh annually—enough to power 8,000 households for a year.
• Recyclable Scrap Conveyor System: All corrugated waste is collected, baled, and recycled through a certified facility.
• Recycled Straps: Plastic strapping is chipped and sent for reprocessing.
• Non-Toxic Inks and Adhesives: Water-based materials protect recycling streams and human health.
• Skylights & LED Lighting: 115 skylights and smart LED systems significantly reduce energy use.
• Battery-Powered Forklifts: Reduce emissions and improve indoor air quality.
• Sustainable System Design: Packaging is evaluated for a low carbon footprint from design to end-of-life, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Responsible Material Sourcing: Corrugated products use recycled and virgin fibers from responsibly managed forests.
• FSC® and SFI® Certifications: Abbott-Action holds certifications for responsible forestry and chain-of-custody tracking.

If you’re ready to switch to sustainable corrugated packaging from a trusted eco-friendly packaging manufacturer, Abbott-Action is ready to support you every step of the way—from design to delivery.

Contact us today to learn how we can create the right eco-conscious package or display solution for your business.