Cardboard - great environmental credentials…
Cardboard – the “wonder” material – already recycled, reusable, recyclable, ultimately compostable and from sustainable forestry – great credentials.
You may be surprised to learn that corrugated Cardboard, our “wonder” material, has been used in packaging design for over 150 years. It’s popularity has grown over this period not least because of it’s environmental and sustainability credentials… making it the most commonly used packaging material in the World today.
It is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways; from corrugated cardboard boxes to custom-designed packaging, businesses can create unique packages that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
Additionally, cardboard can be recycled easily and recovered fibre can be reused multiple times, making it an ideal choice for consumers, businesses, industries and supply chains looking to reduce their carbon footprint and their environmental impact on the planet. .
Cardboard has an extremely high recycling rate, making it one of the most commonly recycled materials in the World today.
But how is cardboard recycled?
Cardboard will go through the following stages; these stages will vary slightly depending on the final product required:
- Sorting and shredding
The cardboard will need to be sorted into carton board and corrugated cardboard. Once the sorting process is complete, the cardboard is shredded into small pieces, ready for the next step.
- Pulping
The shredded pieces of cardboard are mixed with water in large tanks, softening and breaking the cardboard down is called pulping. Once the pulp is the right consistency, the mixture will be ready for the next stage of the process.
- Rolling and drying
The pulp mixture will contain a high percentage of water and needs to be passed through various rollers and heating processes, turning it into paper ready to be used for new cardboard.
You may be interested in our article on How is cardboard made? https://www.dairi-pak.co.uk/news/how-cardboard-made
Cardboard fibres can be reused up to 25 times before the fibres become too short.
Do you have old cardboard boxes in your loft, shed, garage or storage spaces that could be recycled? If so, take advantage of your Council’s kerbside collection or take them to your nearest recycling centre and let the recycling magic begin…
By actively recycling your old cardboard boxes, you can help make a positive difference environmentally and contribute to a more sustainable future.
If you need assistance creating sustainable packaging to create the best experience for your customers, do not hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to learn more about your brand and how we might support you.