Sustainable Packaging

What is Environmentally Friendly Packaging?

Otherwise known as Eco-Friendly Packaging or more recently Sustainable Packaging, this is packaging that is safe for humans and the environment.

How does packaging earn the coveted title of Eco-Friendly?

The lifespan of packaging is so much more than its final destination, so, to be truly environmentally savvy, the production of Eco-Packaging starts with raw materials, taking in the manufacturing process, its purpose and whether it can be recycled, reused or biodegradable.
In truth, the whole supply chain needs to be examined and understood to be considered as Eco-Friendly.

Sustainable Packaging
Explained

In essence, sustainable packaging is where the packaging produced is sourced responsibly, so even the ink, adhesives and coatings on the packaging should be considered throughout the lifecycle of the packaging. All end-of-life scenarios should be considered, and the appropriateness of the
packaging designed to facilitate maximum recovery.

Sustainability in packaging is not just what we do here and now, it has far-reaching effects and what it means for future generations.

Allpack has been championing sustainable packaging products and processes for many years, investing in industry-recognised accreditations, that has positioned us as a leading sustainable packaging provider.

Biodegradability

In packaging terms, biodegradable links to the materials being used in packaging and whether it can be effectively broken down in the environment without causing harm. Plastic is not biodegradable and will remain in our environment for years, as microplastics, hidden in our food chain. Thus,
companies are reverting to more traditional
materials, or innovating new materials, that
breakdown naturally, but don’t compromise on performance and quality.

The rate of biodegradation is based on light, water and oxygen, so where a product may test in laboratory conditions as biodegradable, real-life may in fact prove problematic, as landfill conditions are not always rich in the elements required.

boxFill™
Paper Voidfill

Increasingly paper voidfill is becoming recognised as a sustainable replacement for plastic air pillow voidfill, as a variety of paper ply choices can be selected, depending on your requirements. Recyclable or reusable; this alternative to plastic air pillows offers both performance and value for money, as the paper voidfill creates a ‘block-and-brace’ arrangement, to keep your contents safe and secure in transit.

boxbond™
Paper Parcel Tape

Boxbond™ is a strong paper tape, available in water activated gum, or self-adhesive backed, that is kind to the environment and versatile in its use. It’s made from Kraft Paper, which is biodegradable, compostable and recyclable (up to 7 times). Like most tapes, you can extend your branding into the warehouse, with a logo or image. A recyclable, eco-friendly alternative to polypropylene tape.

Recyclability

Recycling is not exclusive to plastics. There are several materials that should not be dismissed. These items can be collected in the UK via your recycling bin. The trend in recycling has taken a turn, with most households actively recycling packaging. However, it is not always clear if it can be recycled. There are seven recycling codes for plastics, which remain dependent on local authorities to sort and recycle correctly.

Code	Material	Recyclability
1	PET or PETE (clear plastic bottles / fruit punnets)	Most widely recycled by UK councils, turned into fleece, strapping and carpets.
2	HDPE (milk bottles, shampoo bottles, cleaning products)	Widely recycled by UK councils. Technology means they can be recycled into milk bottles.
4	LDPE (Bread bags, bubble wrap, carrier bags, squeezable bottles)	Can be recycled by UK councils, turned into bin liners.
5	PP (Packing tape, plastic straws, take-away tubs, plastic picnic ware	Can be recycled by UK councils, turned into brooms, bushes, garden rakes and plastic trays.
3, 6 & 7	PVC/PS/Other	Not generally recycled in the UK, although category & (other) some items can now be recycled at various local supermarkets.

How long does it take for products to biodegrade?

European standards suggest that for anything to be biodegradable, 90% of it must break down into 2mm pieces within 6 months.

Which has a better carbon footprint: Plastic or Paper?

Paper bags take four times more energy to manufacture than a plastic bag, however, they are made from renewable materials, can be recycled and are generally disposed of in the environment correctly. The durable nature of plastic means that it does not breakdown in the environment and is ending up in the oceans and landfill.

What are the properties of paper tape?

Both our gummed and adhesive backed paper tape are made from 100% renewable Kraft Paper. It is also biodegradable, compostable and can be recycled up to seven times.

Would paper products cause deforestation?

Paper production is not responsible for deforestation, as rain forest trees are typically hardwood and slow growing. Softwood timber is fast growing, but the paper industry generally uses offcuts and trimmings used in the manufacture of furniture and timber production. The unwanted wood is transformed into wood chips and then used as pulp, for paper production.

Where can I buy biodegradable bubble wrap?

We offer biodegradable bubble wrap, but we also sell some very effective eco-friendly protection, such as Globular Embossed Paper.

Does paper tape work the same as plastic tape?

Yes, it does. The tape actually works better acting as a tamper proof seal for cartons and can also remain on cardboard boxes for recycling purposes.

Are your boxes made from recycled material?

Yes, our production uses FSC® certified board, made using up to 100% recycled paper, which has been sustainably sourced.

Paper Towel	2-4 weeks
Cardboard Box	2 months
Wax Coated Carton	3 months
Plastic Bags	10-20 years
Plastic Bottles	100 years

What is Environmentally Friendly Packaging?

Sustainable Packaging
Explained