When it comes to choosing packaging materials, customers are becoming more and more selective when purchasing and prioritising buying from businesses that can help them reduce their environmental impact.
New materials that have been sustainably crafted from reusable and recyclable materials are becoming increasingly popular, as well as those that break down easily when they do end up in the bin.
But which packaging materials are suitable for recycling, and which should you avoid? In this article, we will be breaking down the most common types of packaging material in the UK and whether they are appropriate for recycling.
Recycling Packaging Material In The UK
In the UK, there are generally five main types of packaging material. We will be breaking these categories down and discussing whether or not each category is suitable for recycling.
Paper and Cardboard
Paper and cardboard, like cardboard boxes, are the most widely recyclable materials in the UK.
Whether this is kraft paper, paper void fill, or paper mailer bags, paper and cardboard are simple to break down and pulp, which can then be dried and reused to make a range of recycled paper products.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Paper and cardboard that is dirty, like food packaging that has not been cleaned, is likely to be rejected at the recycling centre, leading them to end up in a landfill. Similarly, some food-safe cardboard products are lined with a plastic seal, which makes them unsuitable for recycling.
If you aren’t sure whether your cardboard can be recycled, you should always check any packaging or labels on the box. Recyclable items should be clearly labelled, giving you the confidence to recycle your cardboard and paper with ease.
Rigid Plastics (Bottles, Pots, Tubs, and Trays)
Rigid plastics like plastic milk bottles and shampoo bottles are widely recyclable and can generally be included in your household recycling collection.
However, there are a few caveats about how these items should be handled prior to recycling.
All rigid plastic containers should be cleaned as thoroughly as possible in order to prepare them for breaking down and reusing.
For the same reason, different types of plastic should be separated wherever possible. For example, the cap on your shampoo bottle could be made of a different type of plastic than the bottle itself, so to make sorting and processing easier, these should be separated before going into your recycling bin.
Finally, it is important to check your local council’s website to check their rules surrounding recycling collection. Although the information we’ve provided here is broadly accurate, each council sets its own rules for recycling and may choose not to accept specific items, like plastic milk bottles.
Metals (like aluminium and steel)
Metal products like aluminium drink cans or steel strapping cables can be recycled almost indefinitely, making metal one of the most important and valuable materials to recycle appropriately.
Most forms of packaging that are made from metal will be suitable for recycling. However, like every other recycling item, it’s important that these are clean prior to disposal in order to maximise the chances of being successfully recycled.
Bubble Wrap and Soft Plastics
Is bubble packaging recyclable? When it comes to recycling, bubble packaging and bubble wrap are considered a ‘soft plastic’, as opposed to hard plastics like food tubs.
Soft plastics are a little bit unusual when compared to other types of recycling. These soft plastics, like bubble packaging, are generally not accepted as part of your household waste collection.
However, bubble wrap and soft plastics are accepted at dedicated recycling points, such as those provided by large supermarkets. This also applies to other forms of soft plastic packaging material, such as plastic mailing bags.
Alternatively, most local recycling centres or tips may offer a soft plastic recycling service, although it is a good idea to check the waste service’s website for a list of allowed and excluded items prior to attempting a drop-off.
Polystyrene and Foam Packaging
Polystyrene, the material used in polystyrene sheets and similar packaging materials, has been an incredibly popular choice for keeping items secure and free of chips and cracks.
This is because polystyrene is a material that absorbs shocks very effectively, protecting items from unexpected knocks, drops and trips. But can you recycle polystyrene packaging?
Unfortunately, polystyrene is generally not appropriate for recycling.
When polystyrene packaging starts breaking down, it has a tendency to continue breaking down into smaller and smaller polystyrene beads. These beads are extremely difficult to repurpose into other materials and can clog up the machines used to process materials.
This means that polystyrene packaging materials should be thrown into the general waste when they reach the end of their usable lifespan.
If you can’t recycle polystyrene, can you recycle foam packaging?
Incredibly, unlike traditional polystyrene, all of our Cell-Aire foam rolls are CFC and HCFC-free, which means that they are fully recyclable and suitable for reuse.
Because of this, our Cell-Aire foam roll is a great choice for keeping your possessions safe in transit, protecting them from chips and cracks without impacting the environment.
Discover Recyclable Packaging Materials At Schott Packaging
At Schott Packaging, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with a wide eco-friendly packaging options to meet their packaging needs, including alternatives to bubble wrap and foam packaging materials.
Whether you are looking for protective packaging material like paper void fill or small Royal Mail Postal Boxes for high-volume outbound shipping, our range includes a packaging material suitable for your needs.
If you are interested in creating an account, printing your own custom packaging material or placing a bulk order, please contact us, and a member of our friendly and helpful team would be happy to help guide you through the process.
Alternatively, any queries about our products can also be emailed to info@schottpackaging.co.uk.