As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly products has skyrocketed. One company that has capitalized on this trend is Boxed Water, a brand that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional bottled water. But have you ever wondered what’s really inside those boxes? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of boxed water and explore the question on everyone’s mind: does Boxed Water have a plastic lining?
The Rise of Boxed Water
Boxed Water is a company that was founded in 2009 with the goal of providing a more sustainable option for bottled water. The company’s innovative approach involves packaging water in cartons made from paperboard, which is a renewable resource. This approach has resonated with consumers who are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint.
But as Boxed Water’s popularity has grown, so have concerns about the company’s packaging. Some critics have pointed out that the cartons may not be as eco-friendly as they seem. So, what’s really going on inside those boxes?
The Anatomy of a Boxed Water Carton
To understand whether Boxed Water has a plastic lining, let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of a carton. The cartons are made from a combination of materials, including:
- Paperboard: This is the outer layer of the carton, which is made from a renewable resource.
- Polyethylene: This is a type of plastic that is used to line the carton and prevent leakage.
- Aluminum: This is a thin layer of metal that is used to prevent light from entering the carton and affecting the taste of the water.
As you can see, the cartons do contain a small amount of plastic. However, it’s worth noting that the amount of plastic used is significantly less than what is found in traditional bottled water.
How Much Plastic is in a Boxed Water Carton?
According to Boxed Water’s website, the cartons contain about 80% paperboard, 15% polyethylene, and 5% aluminum. This means that the amount of plastic used in each carton is relatively small.
To put this into perspective, a traditional bottled water container is made from 100% plastic. This means that Boxed Water’s cartons contain about 85% less plastic than traditional bottled water.
The Benefits of Boxed Water’s Packaging
While the presence of plastic in Boxed Water’s cartons may be a concern for some, there are several benefits to the company’s packaging. Here are a few:
- Renewable Resource: The paperboard used in Boxed Water’s cartons is made from a renewable resource, which means that it can be replenished naturally.
- Biodegradable: The cartons are biodegradable, which means that they can break down naturally in the environment.
- Less Waste: The cartons are designed to be compact and lightweight, which means that they take up less space in landfills and require less energy to transport.
The Drawbacks of Boxed Water’s Packaging
While Boxed Water’s packaging has several benefits, there are also some drawbacks. Here are a few:
- Not 100% Plastic-Free: As we mentioned earlier, the cartons do contain a small amount of plastic.
- Not Recyclable Everywhere: While the cartons are recyclable, they are not accepted by all recycling programs.
- More Expensive: Boxed Water’s cartons are more expensive to produce than traditional bottled water containers.
What Does the Future Hold for Boxed Water?
As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, companies like Boxed Water are under pressure to innovate and improve their packaging. In response to concerns about plastic, Boxed Water has announced plans to launch a new line of cartons that are made from 100% plant-based materials.
This new line of cartons will be made from a combination of paperboard and plant-based plastics, which are biodegradable and compostable. The company has also announced plans to increase its use of recycled materials in its packaging.
Conclusion
So, does Boxed Water have a plastic lining? The answer is yes, but the amount of plastic used is relatively small. While the presence of plastic may be a concern for some, the benefits of Boxed Water’s packaging, including its use of renewable resources and biodegradable materials, make it a more sustainable option than traditional bottled water.
As consumers, it’s up to us to make informed choices about the products we buy. By choosing products like Boxed Water, we can help to reduce our environmental footprint and promote sustainability.
| Material | Percentage of Carton |
|---|---|
| Paperboard | 80% |
| Polyethylene | 15% |
| Aluminum | 5% |
In conclusion, while Boxed Water’s cartons do contain a small amount of plastic, the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation makes it a leader in the industry. As consumers, we can feel good about choosing Boxed Water, knowing that we’re supporting a company that is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint.
What is boxed water and how does it differ from bottled water?
Boxed water is a type of packaged water that comes in a carton made of paperboard, rather than a plastic bottle. This type of packaging is often seen as a more sustainable alternative to traditional bottled water, as it is made from renewable resources and can be recycled. The carton is typically made from a combination of paperboard, polyethylene, and aluminum, which provides a barrier against moisture and oxygen.
The main difference between boxed water and bottled water is the packaging material. While bottled water comes in a plastic bottle, boxed water comes in a carton that is made from a combination of materials. This difference in packaging can have a significant impact on the environmental footprint of the product, as well as its overall cost and convenience.
Does boxed water have a plastic lining?
Yes, most boxed water products do have a plastic lining. The carton is typically coated with a thin layer of polyethylene, which provides a barrier against moisture and oxygen. This lining is necessary to prevent the water from coming into contact with the paperboard, which could cause it to become soggy or contaminated. However, the use of a plastic lining has raised concerns among some consumers who are looking for a completely plastic-free alternative to bottled water.
It’s worth noting that some brands of boxed water may use alternative linings, such as a plant-based coating or a bioplastic. These alternatives may be more sustainable than traditional polyethylene, but they can also be more expensive and may not provide the same level of protection against moisture and oxygen.
Is the plastic lining in boxed water safe for consumption?
The plastic lining in boxed water is generally considered to be safe for consumption. The polyethylene used in most boxed water products is a food-grade material that is approved for use in contact with food and beverages. However, some consumers may still be concerned about the potential for chemicals to leach from the plastic lining into the water.
It’s worth noting that the risk of chemical leaching from the plastic lining is relatively low. The polyethylene used in boxed water products is a relatively inert material that is not likely to leach chemicals into the water. Additionally, many boxed water brands use a layer of aluminum or other materials to provide an additional barrier against chemical leaching.
Can boxed water be recycled?
Yes, most boxed water products can be recycled. The carton is typically made from a combination of paperboard, polyethylene, and aluminum, which can be separated and recycled. However, the recycling process for boxed water can be more complex than for other types of packaging, and not all recycling facilities may accept boxed water cartons.
To recycle boxed water, consumers can typically flatten the carton and place it in their curbside recycling bin. The carton will then be collected and taken to a recycling facility, where it will be separated into its component materials and recycled. Some brands of boxed water may also offer their own recycling programs or drop-off locations.
Is boxed water more sustainable than bottled water?
Boxed water can be a more sustainable alternative to bottled water in some ways. The carton is made from renewable resources, such as paperboard, and can be recycled. Additionally, the production process for boxed water typically requires less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the production process for bottled water.
However, the sustainability of boxed water also depends on other factors, such as the source of the water and the transportation methods used to distribute the product. Some boxed water brands may use sustainable sourcing practices and environmentally-friendly transportation methods, while others may not. Consumers who are looking for a sustainable alternative to bottled water should do their research and choose a brand that aligns with their values.
How does the taste of boxed water compare to bottled water?
The taste of boxed water can be similar to bottled water, but it may also be affected by the packaging material. Some consumers have reported that boxed water can have a slightly different taste or odor than bottled water, which may be due to the paperboard or plastic lining.
However, many boxed water brands use a high-quality filtration process to ensure that their water tastes clean and fresh. Additionally, the carton is designed to protect the water from light and oxygen, which can help to preserve the taste and quality of the water. Overall, the taste of boxed water can be just as good as bottled water, but it may depend on the specific brand and product.
Is boxed water more expensive than bottled water?
The cost of boxed water can vary depending on the brand and product, but it is often comparable to or slightly higher than the cost of bottled water. The cost of boxed water may be higher due to the more complex packaging material and the production process.
However, some consumers may be willing to pay a premium for boxed water due to its perceived sustainability benefits and unique packaging. Additionally, boxed water can be a convenient and portable option for consumers who are looking for a healthy beverage on-the-go. Overall, the cost of boxed water can be competitive with bottled water, but it may depend on the specific product and brand.