Easy to recycle packaging for your customers
Your business cannot afford to ignore the benefits of recyclable packaging, particularly with the increasing number of customers—both businesses and consumers—now demanding this.
Recyclable packaging uses materials that can be used again, usually after processing. Recyclable packaging materials include glass, metal, card, paper, and—increasingly—certain plastics. However, by far, the most common form of recycled and recyclable packaging is corrugated cardboard.
At GWP, we have over 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing recyclable packaging solutions. This expertise extends to replacing non-recyclable plastics with paper-based alternatives. Crucially, we also have the breadth of knowledge to know when plastic, reusable packaging, is actually the more sustainable long-term option.
Recyclable eCommerce packaging
Source bespoke, fully recyclable eCommerce packaging that provides a memorable unboxing experience.
Recyclable transit packaging
Comply with your customer’s policies and environmental requirements using recyclable transit packaging.
Retail packaging and POS
Appeal to eco-conscious consumers to help grow awareness and sales.
Recyclable timber packaging
Wooden cases and shipping crates using FSC certified materials.
Specialist coatings
A range of specialist coatings make corrugated cardboard suitable for a broader range of recyclable packaging applications.
Correx® products
Reusable and recyclable supply chain and handling solutions.
Recyclable packaging FAQs
What types of packaging can be recycled?
There are many recyclable packaging materials, including glass, paper, metals such as aluminium, and some plastics. However, the most commonly recycled material in the UK is corrugated cardboard. In fact, it is possible to recycle corrugated cardboard over 20 times.
What is the difference between recyclable packaging and biodegradable?
Recyclable packaging refers to materials that are reusable, usually after processing. Biodegradable materials, such as paper-based products, refer to packaging that decomposes over time. Packaging can either be both, such as cardboard, or just recyclable (plastics).
Can cardboard packaging replace non-recyclable materials (such as polystyrene)?
There are several scenarios where it is possible to replace packaging that cannot or is difficult to recycle with materials which can be. For example, you can use corrugated cardboard fittings and inserts instead of polystyrene inserts. Another example is using anti-static Corstat® boxes to replace ESD plastic bags.
Are there times I shouldn't use recyclable packaging?
There are some applications where it does not make sense to use traditional recyclable packaging. One is closed-loop supply chains, where reusing plastic totes and containers over many trips reduces the overall environmental impact. Another is for packaging very specialist, fragile or expensive items where the potential damage incurred through breakages – and the waste this generates – outweighs switching away from foams or other inserts.
Should I include recycling logos on my boxes?
If your business’ packaging is recyclable, it is an excellent idea to inform your customers. There is a wide range of free-to-use recycling logos for packaging, along with several that require accreditation by specific organisations or schemes. The use of recycling symbols can significantly assist end users to recycle packaging.
What does virgin vs recycled (fibres) mean?
You may hear the terms “virgin” and” recycled” when discussing corrugated cardboard. These refer to new material harvested from forests (virgin) instead of those reclaimed from previously used material (recycled). Both are essential in manufacturing most corrugated grades and are frequently mixed to achieve the best balance between sustainability and performance.
Recycling packaging
Ensuring your customers and end users are recycling packaging should be a key target for your business.
Eco-friendly packaging causes less damage to the environment. That’s a simple fact. But at GWP, we believe it’s essential to take a holistic view of what makes packaging sustainable.
Consequently, we always work alongside you to identify the economic and environmental impacts that your packaging may have.
This approach includes ethically sourcing and using recyclable packaging materials, analysing how you use your packaging, and determining whether it is suitable for your specific application. The costs to your business and how the packaging performs are also crucial factors.
It even extends to advising you on suitable recycling symbols to use on your packaging – effectively showing end users how to recycle packaging they receive.
GWP has over 30 years of experience creating successful recyclable packaging. However, as we also manufacture a wide range of reusable and specialist packaging, we are ideally placed to provide you with truly impartial advice on the most sustainable – and cost-effective – option for your business.
Commercially successful recyclable packaging
Environmentally friendly or recyclable packaging that doesn’t do its primary job—protecting your products—is counterproductive. In fact, increased returns often have a more significant environmental impact.
We are also unafraid to recommend using plastics and foam for specific applications. The ability to reuse packaging can have less of a long-term impact than expendable or single-trip packaging, even if that is recyclable.
Our team of experts also understand our responsibilities as a sustainable packaging company. We have taken steps to reduce C02 emissions, have extensive recycling systems at our manufacturing plants and are constantly exploring ways to reduce material use.
Put simply, we can offer honest, impartial and no-obligation advice on the best solution for your specific market, application or requirement. If you are looking to switch to recyclable packaging at your business but are concerned about performance, costs or the scale of the project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Eco-friendly packaging
Sustainability at GWP
Competitive advantage
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