"The truth behind "eco-friendly packaging

Business advantages

Ways your business can benefit from recyclable packaging

In addition to the environmental benefits of switching to recyclable packaging, there are many other advantages your business can realise.

Summary of business benefits

Better consumer perception of your brand and business

Opportunity to position your brand in specific markets

Potential to increase sales to certain demographic groups

Increased customer satisfaction through simplified packaging disposal/recycling

Reduce your organisation's carbon footprint

Potential to reduce costs by minimising the use of materials

Potential reduction in transport costs by minimising materials/volume

Potential savings in storage/warehouse requirements (depending on materials used)

Limitations of recyclable packaging

Application of recyclable packaging alternatives should be considered

However, to provide a balanced argument, it is important to stress that in some cases the use of recyclable packaging, such as corrugated cardboard, is actually counterproductive and more sustainable than non-recyclable packaging.

For example, plastic bags made from Correx®, as part of a closed-cycle supply chain, are often a better choice than alternatives to corrugated cardboard. This is because their longevity means that significantly fewer containers/boxes etc. are required compared to consumable (single-use/use) packaging.

This in turn reduces the overall material used, minimises transport costs through the additional deliveries required, as well as reducing energy consumption in the manufacturing process.

Another area where corrugated paper is not always suitable is for particularly valuable or fragile items.

This is because the environmental (not to mention monetary) costs of damaging the item must also be taken into account.

If a product breaks during transport, there is a risk that it will end up in a landfill. This will also mean that additional energy and materials will need to be used in the manufacture of replacements. Plus the additional transport costs of returning and redelivering the item.

However, as well as the environmental impact, it also has a significant impact on your business - leading to written-off stock, unhappy customers who are less likely to buy from you again, and a negative impact on your brand and business reputation.

Finally, there will always be some products that are not suitable for shipping in corrugated cardboard. Even with a professional coating, certain oily or moist products can degrade corrugated material, rendering it useless.

Food products may spoil more quickly (leading to increased food waste in landfills) or the material may become unsuitable for recycling (e.g. pizza boxes are too greasy).

Corrugated cardboard is surprisingly versatile and can be designed to provide surprising strength and durability in the supply chain. Integrated or freestanding inserts and cradles can also be created, which can effectively replace foam or polystyrene in some applications.

Corrugated board can also be enhanced with a number of environmentally friendly coatings (all of which do not compromise biodegradability and/or recyclability).

These include moisture resistance, oil resistance, anti-static, corrosion resistance, colour and print marketing.

However, it is important to note that successful replacement of non-recyclable materials requires a high level of packaging design expertise and an extensive knowledge of the various types of corrugated materials.

It is therefore important to work with an established packaging company that is proficient in packaging design, engineering and testing when considering a switch to corrugated.

If you would like free, no obligation advice on whether your packaging can be converted to a fully recyclable material, then please do not hesitate to speak to one of our consultants.