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VP Market Development

Jorge Izquierdo

Jorge Izquierdo is vice president of market development for PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. He oversees all research and programs for strengthening the competitiveness of North American suppliers of packaging and processing equipment. In this role, he tracks industry and consumer trends relevant to packaging and processing operations, collects input from all industry stakeholders and shares the findings to strengthen cooperation among users and suppliers of technology. Mr. Izquierdo is a mechanical engineer with an MBA and relevant studies in globalization programs.

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Contributor Brief·Jorge Izquierdo · 1 article
Updated Aug 8, 2023

Paper packaging may worsen net-zero goals versus plastic alternatives

Izquierdo argues that the corporate rush to replace plastic packaging with paper is misguided from a climate perspective, as paper production often carries higher carbon footprints than optimized plastic alternatives. He advocates for rigorous lifecycle analysis rather than emotional or marketing-driven packaging decisions if companies genuinely aim to achieve net-zero emissions.

3x

higher carbon emissions from paper versus optimized plastic

“The push toward paper packaging may not deliver the climate gains companies expect.”

Plastic Packaging Isn't Necessarily the Enemy in the Pursuit of Net-Zero Carbon Emissions

Carbon intensity comparison of packaging materials across production and transportation

Plastic (optimized)1
Paper (unbleached)2.8
Paper (bleached)3.2
Aluminum4.1

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9%Plastic (optimized)
Plastic (optimized)
Paper (unbleached)
Paper (bleached)
Aluminum

majority

of corporate packaging decisions driven by perception rather than LCA data

Lifecycle assessments reveal the uncomfortable truth brands avoid discussing publicly.

Plastic Packaging Isn't Necessarily the Enemy in the Pursuit of Net-Zero Carbon Emissions

Net-zero commitments become greenwashing when packaging choices prioritize optics over emissions.

Plastic Packaging Isn't Necessarily the Enemy in the Pursuit of Net-Zero Carbon Emissions

“Paper packaging swaps visible plastic guilt for invisible carbon debt.”

Themes:Lifecycle analysis trumps marketing perception in packaging decisionsPaper packaging carbon footprint often exceeds optimized plastic alternativesCorporate net-zero claims require rigorous data, not material substitution

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