A recent global survey on the print and paper industry has revealed that paper-based packaging remains South Africa’s preferred sustainable packaging choice. According to the South African findings of the 2025 Two Sides Trend Tracker, consumers value paper-based packaging for various benefits, which include: recyclability; biodegradability or compostability; lower environmental impact; affordability; safety; and its ability to display clear product information.
According to the survey, 64% said they preferred products ordered online to arrive in paper packaging. This preference is up from 58% in 2023. Additionally, 58% are actively taking steps to increase their use of paper packaging. Meanwhile, 80% prefer their online orders to be delivered in fit-for-size packaging.
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) said paper-based packaging has emerged as a positive solution, as it is made from renewable wood fibre from sustainably managed planted forests, or recycled paper fibre.
“With increasing pressure to reduce plastic waste and cut carbon footprints, the packaging sector faces intense scrutiny,” said Samantha Choles, communication manager at Pamsa.
“We acknowledge right-sizing is not always possible for online retailers.
“The good thing about cardboard boxes is that they are fully recyclable regardless of their size, and are welcomed by informal collectors and recycling companies.”
She pointed out that the local and global forest products sector has, for many years, been exploring ways to use renewable materials like wood and cellulose, as well as process by-products like lignin, to substitute materials that have a high environmental impact.
When it comes to being home compostable and biodegradable, Choles said 75% of respondents chose paper or cardboard. Additionally, 53% selected it as the best material for the environment. Moreover, 51% found it the easiest to recycle.
She said the survey had revealed an improvement in recycling habits.
In this survey, around 28% of respondents believe that the collection rate for paper and paper packaging exceeds 60% for recycling. This percentage is up from 19% in 2023.
“The survey showed that 65% of people maintain that only recycled paper should be used to make paper products.
“The sole use of recycled paper in paper manufacturing is not possible, however,” explained Choles.
“Paper fibres can only be recycled around seven times, with the fibres shortening and weakening each time.
“Without new wood fibre from trees, the paper cycle cannot be maintained.
“Our mills, with the help of informal collectors and recycling businesses, do recover about 1,2 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging every year.”
Choles said the survey showed that 81% of respondents clearly understand what types of products can be recycled. This is an improvement from 78% in 2023.
