Table 1.

The packaging performance of cellulose materials vs petroleum-based alternatives.

	Molded Pulp	Foam Formed Cellulose Materials	Corrugated Board	Plastic Foams (eps)
Material	Wood/plant cellulose fibers/recycled fibers/waste	Wood/plant cellulose fibers/recycled fibers/waste	Wood/plant cellulose fibers/recycled fibers	Petroleum based
Sustainability	Recyclable/biodegradable/ compostable	Recyclable/biodegradable/ compostable	Recyclable/biodegradable/compostable	Non-biodegradable Non-recyclable Release toxic gas when burning [1,4]
Cushioning performance	Excellent vibration and cushioning properties Limited to package of products with low weight and volume [1,4]	Excellent vibration and cushioning properties	Inconsistent vibration and cushioning properties Not sufficiently soft [1,4]	Good vibration and cushioning properties
Shipping and storage	Easily nests [4]	Easily nests [4]	Require labor and assembly	Does not nest [4]
Climate tolerance	Is not affected by extreme external conditions	Not affected by extreme temperature Moisture proof by use of hydrophobic cellulose fibers [5,6]	Humidity affects performances	Temperature affects brittleness [4]
Durability and mechanical strength	Good	Can be improved by refining of cellulose fibers [7], using of strength additives [8] and surfactant type [9]	Good	High mechanical; strength and durability
Price	High	Low	Low	High