Among the disadvantages that wood packaging has is the fact that they largely contribute to the environmental degradation as wood is cut and in most cases not replaced at the same rate at which they are cut. This mode is also bulky as compared to the other means of packaging like paper. It also suffers the same fate as paper since it cannot adequately protect the goods from moisture and water. It is also worth noting that the wood used can also contain unwanted and invasive species of wood parasites that can be transported from one country to another, this means they need to be treated before transport yet this is costly (Pallets, 2008).
The plastic-based packaging has of late been one of the most widely used means of packaging. This is due to the fact that it can handle best the perishable goods during the transportation period. The plastic packaging also comes in various sizes hence convenient during wrapping and even loading to the trailer or the ships. They can also withstand the presence of water in the course of their transport...
They are hence considered to be lasting longer that the paper-based packaging and recyclable.
It however has its own disadvantages since they are a major source of environmental degradation, they clog the sewerage system, congest rivers and become an eyesore in the neighborhood. The plastics are also known to absorb the smell of the items that it was used to wrap hence hard to reuse unlike wood that does not absorb these (Rodale, 2012).
References
Food Communications Information Services, (2012). Irish Food Packaging Information Service: Paper and Paperboards. Retrieved February 22, 2012 from http://www.ucc.ie/fcis/PKpaper_and_paperboards.htm
Pallets, (2008). Wooden pallets advantages and disadvantages. Retrieved February 22, 2012 from http://pallets.indinf.com/wooden-pallets-pros-and-cons.html
Rodale, (2012). Protect Your Health: Shrink Your Plastic Profile. Retrieved February 22, 2012 from http://www.rodale.com/disadvantages-plastic
