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Practical alternatives to single-use plastic
New, more sustainable solutions prove that waste reduction and product protection can go hand in hand.
Simplify recycling without changing how your warehouses work.
Replacing single‑use plastic is one of the most practical steps toward more sustainable logistics. Kuehne+Nagel enables plastic‑free warehouse operations using circular, paper and bio-material solutions that protect cargo and simplify recycling.
Many solutions are easy to implement, work with existing processes, and deliver benefits without increasing cost or compromising on quality.
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Why replace single-use plastics in warehouse operations?
Replace fossil-based plastics with mono-materials like paper, bio-based, wood, or textiles to simplify recycling and reduce mixed waste in warehouse operations. These plastic-free alternatives are easily sortable and reusable, meaning reduced disposal fees and handling effort along the supply chain.
Rules on plastic use are tightening while customer expectations for sustainability keep rising. Plastic‑free solutions can improve compliance and customer satisfaction.
Replacing plastic with functional alternatives delivers clear, measurable improvement. Progress is easy to track and communicate.
What does reducing single-use plastics mean in practice?
Reducing single-use plastics means replacing plastic packaging and protective materials with reusable, paper-based or other lower-plastic alternatives. The right solution depends on your product requirements, transport conditions and operational needs.
A common misconception is that reducing single-use plastics might compromise protection standards. However, the reality is quite the opposite. What it means is choosing packaging solutions that maintain protection while also matching cargo needs, transport distance and reuse potential.
Many sustainable alternatives today are compatible with existing packing equipment. And in most cases, no new tooling is required.
To get started, explore the three key areas where single-use plastics are often reduced: pallet, layer and parcel and item solutions.
Pallet solutions
Pallet securing is the biggest driver of plastic use in warehouses. Stretch film and plastic strapping are low‑cost to buy but expensive to dispose of and to recycle.
Kuehne+Nagel offers pallet solutions that maintain load stability while eliminating single‑use plastic.
Reusable pallet packaging
Reusable pallet nets, rigid covers, box pallets and lids work well in closed‑loop logistics and internal shuttles. They can be reused many times and replace large volumes of stretch film on recurring flows.
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Sustainable strapping
Paper straps and natural fibre straps provide high tensile strength for outbound shipments. These straps are compatible with automatic machines and support an easy, direct switch to recyclable materials.
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Temporary pallet stability
Rubber bands and stretch bands are used for short internal movements. They secure top layers quickly, removing the need for full pallet wrapping for short distances.
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Paper pallet wrapping
Paper wrap is a fibre-based alternative to plastic stretch film, made of reinforced kraft paper. It stabilises loads by applying a stretchable material.
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Bio-based plastic film
Biofilm works like conventional stretch wrap. It provides a high standard of load security while leaving no microplastics after composting. Bio-based film may be considered in cases where plastic alternatives do not yet meet operational requirements.
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Layer solutions
Load instability often starts between layers. When cartons slide, more outer wrapping is required to compensate.
Layer solutions increase friction and support within the pallet and reduce the need for external containment.
Anti-slip paper layers
Placed between carton layers, anti‑slip paper prevents lateral movement. This improves pallet stability and reduces the amount of outer wrap required.
Reusable separators
Heat‑treated wooden or fibre sheets provide a stable surface between pallet layers. They protect goods from compression and are designed for repeated use.
Parcel and item solutions
Small and fragile items are often protected with mixed plastics that are hard to recycle. Paper‑based solutions can provide the same protection as plastic using mono‑materials.
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Paper wrap, cushioning and void fill
Paper honeycomb, bubble wrap and pads protect, absorb shocks and fill empty space. These paper-based products replace plastic bubble wrap and air pillows with fully recyclable materials that secure the item in place.
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Paper‑based sealing
Water‑activated paper tape bonds directly with cardboard fibres. It provides strong seals and does not need to be removed for recycling.
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Individual item protection
Glassine bags and paper envelopes protect small parts and textiles. They remain recyclable while offering visibility and light grease resistance.
Implementation and support
Reducing single-use plastics in warehouse packaging starts with a focused operational review. Compatibility, speed, and load stability are assessed upfront.
Kuehne+Nagel supports your transition with packaging audits, machine testing, recycling assessment, and Circular Kaizen workshops. The result is plastic prevention, less waste, lower disposal costs, and uncompromised cargo protection.
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