March 18th marked the 5th Global Recycling Day, a worldwide initiative started by the Global Recycling Foundation. This UN recognised holiday gives us an opportunity to take a look at our waste and ask ourselves how we can do better. Recycling is essential. For us and for our planet, reusing materials makes a huge difference to the environment.

It lessens our reliance on finite resources, reduces the amount of energy we use and helps combat the effect of climate change. According to the Global Recycling Foundation, recycling saved 700 million tonnes of Co2 this year. The goal is to increase this to one billion tonnes by 2030, but we won’t get there without all of us doing our bit.

It’s no secret that packaging contributes massively to the amount of waste reaching landfills. Here at Bridge Johnson, we believe in taking a measured approach to sustainability within the industry. We have a wide range of products that are recyclable and made using post-consumer waste, with options for every sector. Our packaging experts have helped businesses make more environmentally friendly choices across the UK, and in this blog, we will be breaking down the facts behind our recyclable and recycled packaging.

Make Load Security Green With Eco-Friendly Pallet Wrap

Plastic pallet wrap is a repeat offender when it comes to harmful waste reaching landfills and encouraging virgin plastic use. However, it’s also a fantastic way to secure palletised goods and ensure they arrive safely. So, what is there to do? If you’re seeking a sustainable alternative that can also be recycled, two of our pallet wrap options deliver both these benefits and much more.

EcoStretch

The biggest draw of this pallet wrap is given away by its name, and it doesn’t fail to live up to it. Made using 30% recycled post-consumer content, EcoStretch film wrap offers an eco-friendly solution that still delivers excellent load stability and provides an exemption from the UK plastics tax. The only difference from virgin plastic wrap is that you will be able to see flecks of colour taint from the recycling process, though the film is completely transparent when applied.

Surge Film

This film differs from EcoStretch in that it doesn’t use 30% recycled content. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t eco-friendly. We’ve discussed the science on our blog before, and the simple fact is that while it uses less recycled plastic, Surge Film managed to use less plastic overall. The strong polymer blend and 55 layer latticed construction create an ultra-thin pallet wrap that offers optimum puncture resistance and strength. Both options can be recycled, making these wraps a sustainable choice.

Protect Your Goods And The Planet

Protective packaging is a vital part of any dispatch process. No matter if it’s to cushion delicate goods or wrap large items, every packaging operation uses measures that help prevent damage. With such popularity, it’s no surprise that so much waste is produced from these same measures. 

Pillow Film

Specially designed to cushion empty spaces in cardboard boxes, pillow film produces just that: cushions of air supplied on a perforated roll. We have several options on offer, including a compostable option. However, our carbon neutral pillow film takes recycling to a whole new level. This eco-friendly packaging solution is made from 53% post-consumer content, and of course, is fully recyclable.

Void Fill Paper

In our last blog, we touched on the benefits of recycling vs biodegrading packaging, and one of the points was that many paper types can’t do both. Our void fill paper is a rare exception, made using sturdy 50gsm Kraft paper. Used with the X-Series range of machines, the sheets are turned from one-ply paper to ultra-bulky void fill - meaning you’re cutting down paper use, rather than unnecessary trees.

Kraft Paper Rolls

Another one of our products made using durable Kraft Paper, these rolls provide a naturally tough wrap for smaller goods. Perfect for presentation, these rolls are recyclable and versatile.

Cardboard Shredder

One of the downsides faced by businesses looking to recycle is that, even in industrial settings, there’s a risk of improper disposal. So, why not bring the recycling process to you and create your own void fill in-house? Cardboard shredders turn surplus card waste into protective packaging that keeps your goods safe and saves you money in the long run.

Stick To Sustainability With Recyclable Tape

Tape: The essential used in so many packing lines. However, a thin strip of tape is difficult to separate from the box once applied - so it often ends up contaminating cardboard recycling streams. 

Gummed Paper Tape

Made using recyclable materials, gummed paper tape contains fibres for extra strength and resistance. This tough tape is a popular alternative to regular plastic options. The tacky adhesive activates once moistened, and once it’s ready you can count on strong sealing.

Self Adhesive Paper Tape

While not as tough as gummed paper tape, our self-adhesive alternative doesn’t require an independent moisture system, fits a conventional dispenser and is (again) fully recyclable.

Be A Recycling Hero This Global Recycling Day

The theme of Global Recycling Day this year is #RecyclingHeroes. Making a simple change to your operation goes a long way toward your sustainability efforts. We’re proud to lead the industry in eco-friendly solutions, and with our range of green alternatives, you can make an impact on the 2030 goal to reduce carbon emissions by one billion tonnes. For more information, get in touch with one of our packaging experts.