Recycled and recyclable foam packaging

With sustainability becoming an increasing focus for most businesses, there have been concerns that standard foam materials (such as Ethafoam, Stratocell and Plastzaote) are unsuited to a more environmentally friendly approach.

Whilst many experts argue that foam inserts and packaging such as end caps, trays, and lined boxes can be sustainable if used correctly (minimising damage, material use, transport emissions etc.), there is now an alternative option.

As such, your business can now choose to use recyclable or recycled foam packaging.

Both the Stratocell R and Ethafoam HRC foams contain a high percentage of recycled material. The content can range between 100% and 65% (minimum) pre-consumer recycled resin content, depending on the grade or option chosen.

Although specialist facilities are required, these materials are also fully recyclable, meaning your foam packaging can become part of a sustainable, reusable loop.

There are also several cellulose-based, fully recyclable foams. Fibrease and Papira foams are both recyclable in existing streams for paper, including kerbside collections.

For more specialist applications, the Ecozote recycled Plastazote can create high-performance protective case inserts to protect expensive or delicate tools and equipment.

Besides the properties of the foam, it is also critical to use the material correctly. Doing so can provide many additional environmental benefits.

First, minimising transit damage vastly reduces the amount of broken goods that may end up in landfills. In fact, recycled foams offer protection levels equivalent to standard Stratocell and Ethafoam, maintaining performance even after multiple impacts or mishandling.

Second, the nature of the foam – when combined with an expert designer – can also help minimise material use.

This material saving applies to the foam itself, with foam end caps being an excellent example of minimal foam usage whilst maintaining protection. But it also applies to the outer corrugated packaging. Less foam equals smaller outer packs, which use less cardboard. However, smaller outer packaging also means more can be transported in a single lorry load/consignment, reducing CO2 emissions further.

Third, less material also offers benefits for your customers. It makes it easier for them to dispose of or recycle the packaging while implying that your business also takes your environmental responsibilities seriously.

Consumer satisfaction is obviously increased by not taking receipt of damaged items too.

These benefits mean that if you want to reduce your environmental impact but your products require specific levels of protection, recycled and recyclable foam packaging can provide a sensible solution.

With over 25 years of experience as one of the UK’s largest foam converters and manufacturers of foam packaging, GWP can help your business if you want to become more environmentally friendly.

With an expert design team and a modern production facility, GWP can advise and manage a switch to recycled or recyclable foam or other eco-friendly alternatives. These include corrugated cardboard inserts and fittings.

This product range and experience allow you to benefit from genuinely impartial and unbiased advice on the best option for your specific application. You can also get free quotes on any requirement, pre-production samples, and you can source your foam inserts and outer packaging together for improved fit, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Sound good? Please speak with a friendly, knowledgeable adviser today.