--- title: "Out With The Old, In With The New: Why Wax Boxes Are The Old Way to Package" description: Wax-coated boxes are not eco-friendly, they cannot be recycled. As a grower or packer, if you're interested in a more sustainable option, consider plastic. image: https://www.industryplastic.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFxuMD7LdU.png --- ![Industry Plastic Logo-1-1-1](https://www.industryplastic.com/hubfs/Industry%20Plastic%20Logo-1-1-1.png) - [Why Plastic](https://industryplastic.com/why) - [Our Story](https://industryplastic.com/story) - [Our Values](https://industryplastic.com/story#our-values) - [Sustainability](https://industryplastic.com/sustainability) - [F.A.Q](https://industryplastic.com/faq) - [Contact](https://industryplastic.com/contact) - [Blog](https://www.industryplastic.com/blog) [Let's talk packaging](https://industryplastic.com/contact) ![](https://www.industryplastic.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFxuMD7LdU.png) # Out With The Old, In With The New: Why Wax Boxes Are The Old Way to Package Published by [Industry Plastic Team](https://www.industryplastic.com/blog/author/industry-plastic-team) on Aug 24, 2023 Boxes and packaging for fruits and vegetables have changed a lot over time. Long ago, humans used [handmade baskets of grasses and reeds](https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/cdfs-133) to store and transport their harvest. Over time, we’ve evolved into more sustainable packaging for worldwide shipment. The evolution of packaging is not just about boxes. It’s about how we’ve learned to be kinder to our planet while making sure food gets delivered in great shape for a longer shelf life.  Let’s take a journey back and unbox how produce packaging has transformed from way back when to now.    **The History Paper Packaging** The first commercial cardboard box is dated back to [1817 in England](https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/cdfs-133), but is completely different from the ones we see today. They were made from a single sheet of cardboard. In 1856, two British inventors made a new kind of paper called, “corrugated paper;” however, this was not used for shipping. It wasn’t until [1871 that a New Yorker named Albert Jones](https://www.albertpaperproducts.com/the-fascinating-history-of-corrugated-cardboard/#:~:text=The%20First%20Corrugated%20Paper%20Patent,bottles%20and%20glass%20lantern%20chimneys.) issued a patent for using corrugated cardboard to protect glass bottles during shipment. This was the start of using cardboard boxes for shipment.   **The Problem with Paper Packaging** Using paper packaging for produce may seem like a great idea, but it comes with a few issues. Paper boxes are not that durable. Produce that needs to be kept refrigerated or on ice can leak through the box and cause breakage. Paper packaging also comes with environmental problems. You must cut down trees to create paper boxes, a lot of water is used in the creation of them, and although you can recycle paper boxes, if they become [contaminated then this becomes difficult](https://www.swiftpak.co.uk/insights/plastic-vs-paper-packaging-the-pros-and-cons#:~:text=However%2C%20switching%20to%20paper%20also,with%20food%20or%20other%20waste.).   **Enter Wax-Coated Boxes** In 1900, Frank Peters patented [wax paper-lined cardboard boxes](https://www.packagingconnections.com/blog-entry/wax-paper-packaging.htm). This helped reduce the risk of contamination and provided brands a new retail space for marketing. Wax-coated boxes are great for waterproofing and preventing moisture damage to the box. With that said, the main issue with wax-coated boxes is **they cannot be recycled**. This means, they are sent to the landfill and can take up to 50 years to decompose. Wax-coated corrugated boxes are harmful to the environment!  Annually, [600,000 tons of wax-coated boxes are sent to landfills](https://naparecycling.com/guide/waxed-cardboard/). **The Resilience and Benefits of Plastic Corrugated Boxes** Plastic corrugated boxes are the best option for transporting and storing produce due to their sturdiness, durability, and ability to provide a barrier against moisture.  Plastic corrugated boxes can be sanitized, reused, and even more importantly - can be recycled! A crucial factor involved in transporting produce is temperature control. To prevent spoilage and ensure your fruits and veggies stay fresh, plastic boxes have a better capacity to insulate than wax-coated and paper boxes. This will keep your produce fresher, longer.  **How You Can Make a Change By Making a Switch** Transitioning from wax-coated corrugated boxes to plastic corrugated boxes may seem daunting. However, in the long run, it is essential for the environment, as well as the longevity of your produce. Here are a few of our recommendations for migrating over to plastic: 1. [Get in touch with Industry Plastic](https://industryplastic.com/contact)! Our team is happy to provide you with recommendations to discuss the different options available to you. 2. Test plastic first. Start with a few batches in order to get your team familiar with the effectiveness of the new packaging. 3. Educate your staff. Let your team know why you are transitioning to sustainable packaging. Inform them of the environmental benefits and how it can help with the longevity of the produce you are shipping.   **Final Thoughts** The use of wax-coated corrugated boxes for shipping produce has transformed the way we ship produce, but it is outdated and ruining our environment. The switch to plastic corrugated boxes offers a better solution for transporting produce and has numerous benefits, including freshness, longer shelf life, and improved insulation capabilities. With the right approach and a focused migration plan, the shift to plastic boxes can be achieved while holding your commitment to sustainable practices. Your produce and the environment will thank you! Tags: [News](https://www.industryplastic.com/blog/tag/news) [Back to Blog](https://www.industryplastic.com/blog) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Related Articles ## [The Misconception of Wax-Coated Packaging](https://www.industryplastic.com/blog/misconception) In the realm of packaging materials, it's not uncommon to encounter wax-coated packaging that... [Read More](https://www.industryplastic.com/blog/misconception) ## [Elevating Market Access in the Produce Industry](https://www.industryplastic.com/blog/market-access) When you work closely with the earth, sustainability is more than just a buzzword. Green choices... [Read More](https://www.industryplastic.com/blog/market-access) ## [From Field to Table: How to Minimize Food Waste](https://www.industryplastic.com/blog/minimize-food-waste) Roughly 40% of food made in America, or 133 billion pounds, is wasted yearly. That's a staggering... [Read More](https://www.industryplastic.com/blog/minimize-food-waste) ![Industry Plastic Logo-1-1-1](https://www.industryplastic.com/hubfs/Industry%20Plastic%20Logo-1-1-1.png) Our corrugated plastic boxes are designed with the specific intent to provide a superior product for growers, and one that is better for our planet as well. We ensure all of our customers have the resources they need to properly recycle our boxes at their end of life. - [Home](https://industryplastic.com/) - [Why Plastic](https://industryplastic.com/why) - [Our Values](https://industryplastic.com/story#ourValues) - [Our Process](https://industryplastic.com/story#ourProcess) - [Sustainability](https://industryplastic.com/sustainability) - [F.A.Q.](https://industryplastic.com/faq) - [Contact Us](https://industryplastic.com/contact) - icons #### Email Us [info@industryplastic.com](mailto:info@industryplastic.com) - [icons](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014360867175) - [icons](https://www.instagram.com/industryplastic/) - [icons](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-haas-197677a8/) © 2026 All Rights Reserved. Industry Plastic ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Industry Plastic Team", "url" : "https://www.industryplastic.com/blog/author/industry-plastic-team" }, "dateModified" : "2023-12-14T19:48:43.820Z", "datePublished" : "2023-08-24T20:12:47.000Z", "headline" : "Out With The Old, In With The New: Why Wax Boxes Are The Old Way to Package", "image" : [ "https://www.industryplastic.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFxuMD7LdU.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.industryplastic.com/blog/sample-blog/bye-wax-coated", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Industry Plastic" } } ```