In the fast-evolving world of packaging, 2025 marks a pivotal turning point. As governments worldwide tighten the screws on single-use plastics and consumers increasingly vote with their wallets for greener options, businesses are racing to adapt. The message is clear: plastic's days as the go-to material are numbered, and paperboard—especially recycled variants—is stepping up as the sustainable hero. At Hammond Paper, we've been at the forefront of this shift, supplying 100% recycled chipboard and custom converting services to help Canadian companies meet these demands without compromising on quality or efficiency.
This blog dives into the regulatory pressures shaping 2025, the consumer trends fueling the fire, and how paperboard solutions like ours can smooth your transition. Whether you're in retail, manufacturing, or e-commerce, understanding this landscape isn't just smart—it's essential for staying competitive.
No longer a distant threat, plastic regulations are hitting hard and fast this year. In Canada, the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations, fully in effect since early 2025, ban the manufacture, import, and sale of six key items: checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws. By year's end, exports of these items will also be prohibited, pushing producers to pivot quickly. The first mandatory reporting deadline for plastic packaging and products landed on September 29, 2025, requiring detailed disclosures on usage and waste—adding compliance headaches for non-compliant businesses.
Globally, the momentum is equally relentless. Over 91 countries now enforce plastic bag bans or fees as of mid-2025, with expansions in Europe, Asia, and Oceania targeting single-use items like cutlery and containers. The EU's directive on single-use plastics continues to phase out 10 problematic items, while ongoing talks for a Global Plastics Treaty at INC-5.2 in August 2025 underscore the push for broader reductions in production and hazardous chemicals. Even in the U.S., states like California are set to eliminate all grocery store plastic bags by 2026, with over 30 packaging-related bills active across the country this year.
For Canadian businesses, these rules aren't just environmental edicts—they're trade barriers. The U.S. has flagged Canada's Zero Plastic Waste Agenda as a technical hurdle, complicating cross-border supply chains. The bottom line? Ignoring this shift risks fines, supply disruptions, and lost market access. But it also opens doors for innovators in sustainable alternatives.
Regulations set the stage, but consumers are stealing the show. In 2025, sustainability isn't a nice-to-have—it's a deal-breaker. A McKinsey survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers in March revealed that nearly 70% hold brand owners or packaging producers accountable for eco-friendly practices, with views holding steady or strengthening post-pandemic. Closer to home, North American shoppers echo this: 68% prefer online deliveries in correctly sized packaging to cut waste, and 52% favor paper over plastic for e-commerce shipments.
Willingness to pay plays a big role too—at least 40% of consumers are ready to shell out more for sustainable packaging, per recent insights. Globally, the sustainable packaging market is exploding, valued at over $270 billion in 2024 and projected to hit $490 billion by 2034. This isn't hype; it's driven by younger demographics, with 85% supporting bans on single-use plastics in WWF polls. Food and consumer goods sectors feel this most acutely, where eco-labels can boost purchase intent by up to 30%.
For brands, the risk of greenwashing backlash is real—consumers are savvy and demand transparency. Switching to paperboard isn't just compliant; it's a loyalty builder in an era where 87% back reduced plastic production.
So, why paperboard? It's the perfect antidote to plastic's pitfalls: lightweight, versatile, and infinitely more planet-friendly. Made from renewable fibers, paperboard breaks down naturally, unlike plastics that linger for centuries. Recycled versions amplify this, closing the loop in the circular economy by diverting waste from landfills.
Take uncoated recycled paperboard (URB)—it's booming, with the market expanding from $20.1 billion in 2024 to a projected $30.59 billion by 2034 at a steady CAGR. This growth stems from its use in everything from food trays to e-commerce boxes, offering strength without the environmental toll. Unlike virgin plastics, URB is 100% recyclable, curbs deforestation, and aligns with carbon reduction goals—vital as Scope 3 emissions scrutiny intensifies.
Businesses love it for practicality too: it's customizable for branding, cost-effective over time, and meets food-safety standards without chemical leaching risks. In short, paperboard isn't a compromise—it's an upgrade.
At Hammond Paper, we're not just spectators; we're suppliers powering this change. Based in the Greater Toronto Area, we specialize in 100% recycled and recyclable chipboard, graphic boards, clay-coated boards, and more—stocked and ready for immediate delivery. Our product lineup includes corrugated options, edge protectors, slip sheets, and layer pads, all designed to replace plastic in protective packaging.
What sets us apart? Our custom converting services. From guillotining and slitting to die-cutting, laminating, grooving, and cornering, we turn standard sheets into bespoke solutions that fit your exact specs. Need pallet wrap that's plastic-free? We've got machine and pallet wrap alternatives. Our commitment to the circular economy means every product supports waste elimination and resource reuse, reducing your forest impact while enhancing recyclability.
Transitioning sounds daunting, but it's doable with a plan. Start with an audit: Map your plastic usage and identify high-impact swaps, like paperboard for checkout bags or stir sticks. Partner with experts like us for samples—test recyclability and print quality early.
Budget for the shift: Initial costs may rise 10-20%, but long-term savings from lighter shipping and waste fees offset this. Leverage incentives—Canada's green procurement programs offer rebates for recycled materials. And don't forget marketing: Highlight your paperboard pivot in campaigns to tap that 40% premium-paying crowd.
Finally, stay informed. With treaties evolving and state-level bills popping up, annual reviews keep you ahead.
2025 isn't just another year—it's the dawn of a plastic-free packaging era, propelled by ironclad regs and empowered consumers. Paperboard, especially recycled like ours, is the bridge to compliance, cost savings, and customer love. At Hammond Paper, we're here to make it effortless with our eco-focused products and converting prowess.
Ready to ditch plastic for good? Contact our team for a free consultation on custom recycled solutions. Let's build a greener future—one sheet at a time.