What Is Recyclable Packaging? 

Many of us have the common experience of growing up hearing the mantra, “Recycle, reuse, reduce.” Well, that sentiment remains true today. We can all do our part in the recycling process, so it’s important to know what recyclable packing is and how to properly introduce it into your business. 

A few housekeeping notes — for an object to be deemed recyclable, it must have the capacity to be:

  1. Collected
  2. Sorted
  3. Reprocessed
  4. Reused

Check those four requirements and recycle whenever possible. Recycling leads to the opportunity for the materials to be repurposed — corrugated packaging included. 

Can You Make Custom Recyclable Packaging?

Just because something is recyclable and made from post-consumer materials doesn’t mean it has to be plain. It can still be shaped and customized to fit your needs. 

At Box Genie, we source corrugate for our boxes, which is the most recycled packaging material used today. Choose from three sustainable options for your packaging materials, which include the following:

  • Kraft paper: This brown corrugated cardboard option, a sustainable packaging solution, is made from roughly 35.8% recycled content and 64.2% virgin material.
  • Essential White: This white corrugated cardboard is made from roughly 35.8% recycled content and 64.2% new packaging material.
  • Magic White With High Definition Print: This is a lusciously glossy corrugated cardboard made from roughly 17% recycled content and 83% virgin material. 

Using a combination of recycled and virgin material is a more eco-friendly way to go about packaging. Not only are you going to receive a stellar package, but you’re also going to receive a stellar and sustainable package. 

Whether you run a brick-and-mortar business or operate via eCommerce, packaging products are a part of everyday life. 

5 of the Biggest Benefits of Recyclable Packaging

1. Save Raw Materials

Raw materials are those that are in their original state, before they are broken down, processed, or turned into something else. 

Commonly used raw materials include coal, natural gas, lumber, steel, plastic packaging, packing tape, and minerals. 

Think about the very first step in the packaging process — not just the act of packing a product into a box, but what that box originally came from. Cardboard that is made from raw material comes from lumber. 

Thankfully, the world of sustainable packaging has grown, and packaging does not need to rely solely on raw materials, like lumber, anymore. Packaging materials such as corrugate are just as effective and are increasingly being used instead.

Reduce your carbon footprint by using recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable packaging.

2. Reduce Manufacturing Energy Use

When it comes to manufacturing, picture the process as a chain reaction. Using raw materials means a longer manufacturing process because the composition of the raw material must be completely altered. 

Using recyclable packaging reduces the manufacturing process by an entire step. When manufacturing energy use is reduced, the positive effects can include:

  • Reduced emissions and carbon footprint
  • More efficient supply chain
  • Reduction of single-use packaging
  • Promotion of a circular economy

3. Limit Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions

When choosing manufacturers for your business, it’s important to look for a business committed to sustainability. You should always consider if (and how) the suppliers you work with are doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint.

Manufacturers can pull their weight by:

  • Transitioning to carbon-neutral operations and carbon-neutral value chains
  • Being conscious of their practices and spreading the word to their consumers, investors, and government officials
  • Maintaining and evaluating emissions data to continue improving

4. Show Customers That You Care

Customers are more likely to give their loyalty to businesses that operate consciously. People crave companies who care about more than just profit. Consumers want to see companies stand for something, so why not make it the environment? 

Being environmentally conscious is a universal cause. It is something that everyone can get behind because it affects all of us. Show your customers that you are making the extra effort and doing your part through a personalized message on your packaging. They will appreciate it more than you know. 

5. Improve Your Company’s Reputation

Customers are more likely to do business with a company with strong ethics. Build your reputation by using packaging that has a bigger purpose. 

There are many organizations out there dedicated to educating small businesses and huge corporations on the importance of environmentally friendly packaging. 

As a member of the Forest Stewardship Council(FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Box Genie is firmly committed to sustainability and conservation. It is our way of keeping our promise to our customers. 

If your business is ready to make the switch to recyclable packaging, these are some great resources to help you make the change. 

Make the Switch to Recyclable Packaging

Now that you’ve got the low-down on how beneficial recyclable packing is, it’s time to make the switch. The environment and your customers will thank you. 

When making your decisions, consider getting rid of types of packaging materials, such as bubble wrap, single-use plastics, and styrofoam, used to keep products safe during shipment. These options are functional but far from eco-friendly.

Box Genie offers custom-made inserts and dividers made from sustainable corrugate. These alternatives provide the same security for your items during the shipping process but reduce the harmful environmental impact of your packaging.

Make the switch to more eco-friendly packaging options, like: 

  • Corrugate inserts and dividers
  • Bioplastics, recycled plastic, or recyclable polyethylene
  • Corn starch cushioning 

It might seem like a big undertaking, but your current effort will impact the future of your carbon footprint and your relationships with your customers. Consider the benefits of recycled materials and start making positive changes today.

Sources:

101: What is recyclability? ⎸ Sustainable Packaging Coalition

What Is a Circular Economy? | US EPA

Reducing The Carbon Footprint Of The Manufacturing Industry Through Data Sharing | World Economic Forum

Sustainable Forestry Initiative | Forests

Forest Stewardship Council | FSC

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Megan D., CEO at SSBD

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