Are you aware that corrugated packaging, with its tough and sturdy characteristics, is a popular choice for shipping and packaging? But what happens when its job as a container is done? Don't throw it away just yet because it can be recycled.
Made from a combination of wood fibers, this type of packaging is composed of paper pulp that can be recycled up to seven times. Recycling corrugated reduces waste, conserves resources, and protects the environment.
Why is Corrugated Sustainable?
The concept of sustainability is based on the idea that our existence depends on our natural environment and that it's important to maintain conditions that allow us to coexist with nature in the present and future.
Corrugated packaging is a sustainable option because it's made primarily from trees, which are a renewable resource. According to Corrugated, this packaging has a high recovery rate of around 90%. For instance, in 2018, the corrugated industry was able to recover and recycle 96% of the old corrugated containers. Compared to other packaging materials, corrugated has a recovery rate of 78%, while plastic has a recovery rate of only about 15%.
Moreover, corrugated packaging is biodegradable and can be recycled multiple times without losing strength or quality. This makes it a much better option compared to other non-biodegradable packaging materials that can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills and often release harmful chemicals into the environment.
How to Recycle Corrugated Cardboard
Most corrugated cardboard boxes are recyclable, except for a few exceptions. These boxes are commonly made from recycled materials, such as other corrugated boxes, which makes them one of the most environmentally friendly packaging materials.
To recycle a corrugated box, you need to break it down. First, remove any additional packaging materials that may have been included with the box, such as foam inserts, plastic wraps, or wood inserts. This step helps ensure that the recycling process only involves the corrugated box.
Next, use a box cutter to cut the packing tape on the bottom and sides of the box. This will loosen the box and make it easier to break down. Then, extend all of the box’s flaps and press it flat. The flattening process saves space during transportation and makes storing the boxes easier until they are recycled. After the box has been broken down, it's ready for recycling. Depending on your location, corrugated boxes, and single-walled cardboard can typically be recycled in standard curbside recycling. Some recycling programs may require separating corrugated boxes from bottles and cans. As such, it's important to check with your local recycling program.
If you live in a rural area without curbside recycling pickup, you'll need to take the cardboard boxes to a recycling center and place them in the correct bin. This step ensures that the corrugated boxes are properly sorted and recycled. Companies that recycle many corrugated boxes can make the process more efficient by baling them. This involves using a baler machine to compact the boxes into dense bundles that can be easily transported. This allows the companies to save on space, reduce the number of trips needed for transportation, and help the environment by promoting more efficient use of resources.
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