Recycled Packaging FAQ

Common Questions about Recycled Packaging

What is recycled packaging?

Recycled packaging can be packaging that is used over again for the same or similar purpose. The corrugated box that is used to ship product to the local grocery store that later becomes a moving or shipping box for someone else is a good example.

In most cases however, recycled packaging is packaging made out of waste which may include previously used packaging products. The example here is corrugated boxes that are reprocessed and used to make new corrugated boxes or newspaper that is re-purposed to make molded pulp packaging.

Why is using recycled packaging important?

We believe that creating new ways to use the waste we all create is an important part of an overall green strategy. This creates market value for recycled waste and prevents it from ending up in a land fill where it doesn’t do any good for us or the environment.

What are the different waste categories that can be used to make new packaging?

PCW (post consumer waste) – or it is also known, PCR waste (post consumer recycled) content – is considered the best waste because it has already served one purpose and the next stop is a land fill if it is not diverted and reused to make a new packaging product.

A step down from there in terms of greenness is pre-consumer or post production waste, which is waste that results in the production of packaging materials. In the paper/board industries it is typically scrap or trim. In a plastic extruding facility it is commonly referred to as regrind because it is usually re-pelletized and extruded again into some form of plastic.

Does this result in packaging that is varying degrees of greenness?

Yes, we refer to it as:

• Green – Packaging product that is recyclable and may have some percentage of recycled content but includes some virgin content as well
• Greener – Packaging product that is made of a 100% recycled material but it is a mix of pre-consumer and post consumer waste
• Greenest – Packaging product that is made of 100% post consumer waste

Isn’t recycled packaging inferior to packaging made with new or virgin materials?

We find that there is no compromise in terms of performance when a quality company manufacturers the recycled packaging product. Products made domestically should also not be compared to foreign made packaging which often fails to deliver acceptable quality.

Is recycled packaging competitive in terms of price?

Yes, most types of eco friendly packaging are very price competitive and in some cases even lower in cost. We have proven that the myth of green packaging costing more is outdated and simply not true in today’s green and price focused market.

Is recycled packaging recyclable?

Absolutely! Studies have shown that corrugated boxes as one example can be recycled up to eight times before significant fiber loss is detected. Sadly, most boxes are not recycled and reprocessed to come anywhere close to where that becomes a concern.

Where can biodegradable packaging products be recycled?

The answer to that question varies a great deal depending on where you live, and which product you want to recycle. Some packaging products such as corrugated or paperboard packaging are recyclable and are accepted in just about any curb side recycling program. For materials such as plastics, the facilities and programs differ a great deal from one state, county or even town, to another. When in doubt ask your local waste management company or your local municipality.

Is recycled packaging biodegradable or compostable?

On some green packaging products the answer is definitely yes and most corrugated board is a perfect example of that. In other cases even paper based products that are usually biodegradable are not because of special coatings or inks that may have been used in the manufacturing process.

We try to make the answer to that question as clear and obvious as possible in our product descriptions or web sites but we encourage any and all questions and comments.