Considerations of paper and cardboard packaging?

While I am sure plastics do have it's benefits, and it really depends on your product, marketing strategy, etc. I can personally talk more about paper-based packaging.

Paper-based packaging, including corrugated cardboard, is economically viable and eco-friendly. Boxes, containers, cartons, sacks, and bags are part of our everyday lives and are made from trees that can be sustainably grown, managed, and harvested specifically for the paper industry or made from recovered and recycled fiber, allowing the industry to reuse it's own products.

According to the EPA, paper-based packaging and corrugated packaging is recovered more than any other packaging material. More than 70% of all packaging recovered for recycling in the U.S. is from paperboard and in 2011, 91% of old corrugated containers were recovered for recycling.

When it comes to protective packaging solutions, corrugated packaging is a clear leader and especially plays a large role in reducing the amount of food waste and product damage during shipping. Paper-based corrugated packaging has natural cushioning qualities that can also be customized with printed information on the packaging for easy identification and easy opening.

In short, paper packaging is should be greatly considered when choosing packaging for a product.