Tuesday 18 March is Global Recycling Day. So, let us tell you more about the recyclability of cardboard. As the most widely used packaging material, around 95 million carton board and corrugated cardboard boxes are manufactured every week in the UK. That would be an environmental disaster if cardboard wasn’t easy to recycle.
Fortunately, cardboard packaging is produced using a high volume of recycled fibres. What’s more, around 73.4% of the boxes that are used in retail packaging and shipping are recycled*.
Sustainably Sourced Packaging Material
Cardboard is made from wood fibres. When the timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests, recycled and reprocessed into new boxes, it offers a sustainable packaging solution. If you think that felling trees is bad news, be assured that multiple saplings are planted for every tree that’s harvested.
Paper fibres are sufficiently strong to be recycled between 5 and 25 times without compromising structural integrity. Most cardboard boxes contain around 80% recycled content, mixed with 20% raw material. It’s also possible to request 100% recycled cardboard for some packaging requirements.
Why are Cardboard Recycling Rates Higher Than Other Materials?
One reason why cardboard is more widely recycled than other packaging materials is that consumers are informed. Most of us are aware that cardboard can be recycled. Therefore, most boxes end up in the recycling bin. Keep using clear labels and printed information on boxes to ensure everyone is informed.
The second reason for the good recycling rates is that most UK councils offer kerbside collection of domestic and commercial waste cardboard. That makes it easy for everyone to take action. There are also great cardboard recycling facilities across the UK. These can process old boxes into new cardboard sheets within a couple of weeks.
Then, we have many UK cardboard packaging manufacturers, including us at Aylesbury Box Company. We transform sheet cardboard into standard and bespoke boxes. From small postal boxes to large industrial cartons, the cycle starts over again!
What Hinders Cardboard Recyclability?
Unfortunately, not all cardboard can be recycled. Firstly, several finishes can compromise the recyclability of cardboard, these include:
- Plastic or wax-based moisture barrier coatings – we can offer a biodegradable, recycle-friendly alternative
- Foil or glitter finishes – discuss ways to achieve the desired look using other print and finish options
If you apply a non-recyclable finish, please make this evident on your boxes, so consumers are aware. Otherwise, these materials can clog up the shredding, pulping, drying and rolling machines.
Secondly, it is not suitable to place cardboard in the recycling bin if it is saturated, greasy or contains food residue. That food container that still holds some scraps and sauce needs to go in the regular bin. Finally, it is advised to remove all parcel tape and labels from cardboard before recycling. The majority are made from plastic and can’t be recycled. Paper tape is the exception.
Are You Guilty of Keeping Hold of Cardboard Boxes?
Another issue that prevents cardboard from being recycled is our desire to keep hold of good-quality boxes. Have you got a stash in the garage, loft or spare room? You are not alone! Beyond the Box survey** in 2022 revealed that the average household has 7 empty cardboard boxes. Let’s face it, they have many practical uses, including storage or material for craft and construction projects.
Reusing boxes is a good thing. However, if they’ve not been reused, it’s better to get them back into the recycling stream!
If you have any questions about the design, manufacture and finish of 100% recyclable cardboard boxes to support your B2B or B2C operations, get in touch. Call 01296 436888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk
*https://www.statista.com/statistics/476098/packaging-waste-and-reclycing-uk/
**https://cardboard.org.uk/news/one-in-five-brits-are-living-in-chaos/
