Why are packaging materials getting more expensive? A look at the causes of this problem and possible solutions

Businesses have noticed that many types of cardboard used for packaging have recently become up to four times more expensive. The raw materials needed to make cardboard, such as cellulose, cost up to 60-80% more, which has obvious consequences for the entire eCommerce industry. The owners of online stores are feeling the effects of the increases and wondering when it’s going to end. Why have prices gone up so much? What are the alternatives to expensive cardboard boxes? Read on to learn more!

If you run an online store, you have certainly already felt the effect of increases in packaging prices. We'll tell you a bit more why this is so in a moment. We also have several noteworthy solutions that will allow you to minimize the effects of these increases.

Why are cardboard packaging more expensive?

Buyers of paper and cardboard were faced with sudden increases in the price of raw materials at the beginning of 2022, and more upheaval is on the way. Among others, the increases were announced by the large packaging manufacturer Sappi Europe, who announced that cardboard materials would become about 10-25% more expensive in the near future

Going back a bit further, compared to the beginning of 2021, cardboard prices have increased by 100%. That’s enough to get the attention of everyone involved, from manufacturers to distributors to end customers and everyone in between.

What is causing such a drastic increase in the price of cartons? First of all, there’s the pandemic that has disrupted the global supply of raw materials for the production of packaging and almost everything else. Paper mills around the world have had to deal with the same supply chain issues that have negatively impacted production facilities in every business sector with predictable results and that’s why cartons and other packing materials have really become an expensive commodity.

In the era of COVID-19, the eCommerce industry has also developed very rapidly, as consumers have moved their shopping habits online. As a result, the demand for packaging is also increasing since online retailers most often pack their products in cardboard boxes. This means the price of cardboard is being pushed in the wrong direction for consumers by both supply and demand issues at the same time. 

How much more expensive will cardboard packaging get?

As already mentioned, cardboard prices have doubled since the beginning of 2021. The cost of cellulose itself has increased by 80%, and paper for cardboard production by 60%. This has translated into increases not only in cardboard boxes, but also in things like tissues, toilet paper, paper towels and other cellulose-based products.

The prices of cardboard packaging are rising at an alarming rate and many companies no longer ask about the prices of paper, but rather about whether it is available at all. Unfortunately for eCommerce, cardboard has become the most expensive of all paper products.

So is every online store owner doomed to deal with increased delivery costs? Not necessarily. We’ve put together three ways to help you deal with the skyrocketing prices of cardboard packaging. And while no single strategy will completely protect you against increases, applying the methods listed below will help you minimize the impact of these increases on your business.

3 Reliable Ways To Avoid Increasing Packaging Prices

REUSABLE PACKAGING

While they may not yet meet the needs of every item shipped to consumers in eCommerce, reusable packaging is an excellent option for soft goods like clothing. It’s also ideal for shipments between distribution centers and retail locations. 

Logistics companies in multiple markets have launched their own campaigns to introduce reusable packaging, with benefits for everyone involved. A common scheme is to equip each package with an internal return label, which, when scanned in any pickup parcel locker, will enable the packaging to be returned to the logistics warehouse or back to a specific store, which will significantly reduce costs.

While still in its early stages, the campaign to make reusable packaging a bigger portion of all packing materials used could reduce the overall use of cardboard by a factor of ten. Reusable packaging can easily return to circulation with no compromise in effectiveness or customer experience, satisfying all parties involved and helping the environment through the decreased need for more paper-based goods.

SECOND-HAND CARTON RECOVERY

The millions of boxes that are used just a single time present an obvious opportunity to cut the number of new boxes needed to meet the demands on eCommerce. Boxes of every kind and size are available in any place that sends and receives significant amounts of goods. In addition to conventional retail locations, you can find them in pharmacies, wholesalers, flower shops,  restaurants and many other places. Just ask many sellers — they will be happy to get rid of excess packaging.

It is also worth browsing national and local advertising portals and even groups on Facebook to connect with local organizations that have packing materials that they would be glad to get rid of.

FULFILLMENT

The last option is a fulfillment partner, which is our specialty. Why might this solution be helpful? First of all, because thanks to the cooperation with many partners, we execute thousands of orders per month, which gives us access to preferential order conditions.