Benefits of recyclable packaging

We’re all aware of how vital it’s become for the world to reduce its impact on the environment, and one of the most significant changes we can make is with our packaging and the materials used. Packaging is an unavoidable part of life, with most people encountering some form of it every single day.

The immense amount of packaging we go through also comes with the devastating amount of waste that follows. It’s estimated that the UK generated 40.4 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste in 2020, with England responsible for 83% of the UK’s total. But with packaging being useful for protecting, preserving and enhancing many products, it isn’t something we can just eliminate to solve the problem. And without flexible, recyclable ready plastic packaging, this impact would be even greater.

So, what’s the next best solution? Swapping the harmful materials used in packaging for recyclable ones can have a huge impact.

The production of raw materials such as plastic, paper and cardboard uses mass-energy, but producing new materials from existing ones naturally uses less. In fact, the recycling process of plastics requires up to two-thirds less energy than traditional manufacturing!

We know it’s time to make the switch, but what are the benefits of recyclable packaging?

Recyclable packaging is designed to be collected, processed and reused to create new products, rather than contributing to waste. It can be manufactured in many ways, and often involves materials like cardboard, paper and certain plastics.

By making the switch to recycling packaging, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint, lower water usage, save natural resources, meet environmental regulations and more. As a result, the lifecycle of products is extended, and businesses can improve overall sustainability.

We talk a lot about recyclable packaging, but what about the advantages it brings for businesses? From environmental impact to costs and brand reputation, we’re here to share all the reasons why this type of packaging is a better choice than traditional options.

Environmentally friendly

Non-recyclable packaging can have a serious impact on the environment, from the moment the material is sourced, manufactured, transported, used and disposed of. Every stage of the process contributes to the problem.

Plastic pollution has rapidly become one of our most pressing environmental issues, but plastic is also one of the most widely used packaging materials. With plastic packaging containing additives that make it stronger, more flexible and durable, it’s estimated that it can take up to 400 years to break down. Plastic packaging is also the most popular choice because it’s a cheaper alternative to rigid packaging, is cheap to transport, more durable and has a lower impact. It offers a highly protective barrier for the contents of packaging, making it versatile and food safe.

Undoubtedly, the main appeal of recyclable packaging is that it’s a lot less harmful to the planet and keeps harmful plastic out of landfills. Not only does it conserve natural resources, protecting these for future generations, but from a sustainability perspective, it also means businesses can lower their carbon footprint by generating less pollution and emissions.

Cost effective

A common misconception among businesses is that sustainable packaging isn’t as financially viable. Highly produced materials, such as plastic, can make other materials look expensive in comparison, but it’s important to remember that one of the reasons plastic is so cost-efficient to acquire today is because it’s a by-product of the oil and gas industry.

Going green might require an initial investment, but in the long run, a commitment to sustainability earns high marks with customers, boosting long-term business.

Taking disposal costs into consideration, dumping your non-recyclable waste in landfills can be costly. Reducing your waste by using biodegradable alternatives or circling the material back into the system for reuse is a much more cost-effective option.

With extended producer responsibility (EPR) coming into play, non-recyclable materials will cost more at the end of life compared to recyclable materials.

Recyclable materials can decrease labour and manufacturing costs, with a lower initial cost of materials and reduced waste management fees. And since lighter packaging for your products costs less to ship, businesses can significantly save on shipping costs compared to rigid packaging.

Improve brand reputation

Most people are concerned about the environmental crisis we’re facing, and this has had a knock-on effect on consumers’ buying behaviours. Therefore, a business with a reputation for prioritising sustainability, especially when competitors haven’t quite caught up, is far more likely to be preferred over one that seems overly focused on profits.

Introducing recyclable ready packaging and being clear about your stance on sustainability can attract eco-conscious consumers and further develop your customer base, opening avenues that could previously have been inaccessible to your brand.

Meet customer expectations

With sustainability becoming more important for many customers, it pays for businesses to offer recyclable options. Making the switch allows businesses to shout about their sustainability practices, which can boost customer loyalty, sales and brand reputation.

An unexpected benefit is that recyclable ready packaging can also be visually appealing and often has a better shelf-life, which is ideal for keeping the costs down as a business and improving attractiveness to customers.

Compliance with updating regulations in the UK

Sustainability isn’t just a trend – it’s becoming a necessity. UK regulations on sustainability are continuously changing, and businesses must adapt to keep up. From EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) from now until 2030 to the UK’s ‘Net Zero by 2050’ commitment and the ban on single-use plastics, making the switch to recyclable packaging now can help businesses stay ahead of key future updates to UK and global legislation.

At Tyler Packaging, we hold the following accreditations to help us comply with sustainability for customers:

• BRC Global: We’re fully accredited under storage and distribution guidelines for food and non-food applications.
• BPF Membership: We’re up to date on any product, material, and legislative developments in our industry.
• ISO 14001: We comply with relevant environmental legislation and other requirements that avoid adverse environmental impacts.

Reduce packaging waste

When the materials in packaging can be reused, the volume of waste produced by a business drops significantly. But why is this important? The main benefit is that waste is being reused for new products, rather than heading straight to landfill sites where traditional plastic-based packaging can sit for hundreds of years. In turn, greenhouse gas emissions and pollution are reduced, meaning you’re helping reverse the negative effects of excessive waste.

Reducing packaging waste can also help with meeting regulations. In the UK, the Plastic Packaging Tax is imposed on packaging with less than 30% recycled plastic, while the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) sets targets for everything from reusable materials to waste reduction and recycled content. The end goal for these regulations is to switch completely to recyclable packaging by 2030.

The future of plastic flexible packaging is for it to be designed as a future raw material, so it can be collected, sorted and recycled. This type of packaging contains flexible plastics, but can still be recycled, which means it solves the common challenge of being food safe for direct contact, while also helping businesses meet changing legislation.

Flexible packaging, therefore, is becoming the most popular solution for reducing packaging waste.

We’ve covered only a few of the benefits of switching to recyclable ready packaging, and it’s evident that irreversible damage could be done to our planet if we don’t make a global effort to become more eco-conscious.

At Tyler Packaging, we can help you make the switch with our sustainable packaging range, featuring products such as our Paper Recyclable Pouches and Recyclable Film. These can be designed to suit any company’s needs while providing suitable protection for the products inside, helping companies choose the best packaging for them.

We’re dedicated to constant improvement and the development of sustainable packaging, with our ultimate aim being to produce a portfolio of products that provide a completely eco-friendly solution to plastic waste contamination.

Want to find out more or enquire about how we can help your business? Let’s chat!