I try to use as recyclable packaging as possible. However, not all of my packaging is 100% recyclable.
Cardboard & Paper
Cardboard packaging is exceptionally environmentally-friendly. When compared to alternative packaging materials, cardboard manufacture decreases oil and CO2 emissions by more than 50%, making it one of the materials with the least ecological impact. Cardboard is a recyclable and biodegradable material. It is made from the renewable raw material wood, which contributes to its eco-friendliness. Cardboard boxes are widely used for shipping, storage, and moving due to their sustainability. They can be reused, recycled, or even broken down and added to recycling bins.
Compostable Cellophane & Cellotape
Compostable cellophane is an environmentally-conscious packaging material. Made from renewable raw materials, such as wood cellulose fibers sourced sustainably, it offers a biodegradable and compostable alternative. Unlike traditional plastics, genuine cellophane breaks down naturally within months, releasing CO2, water, and humus—beneficial nutrients for the soil. It is certified for compostability but only in an industrial composter, not your compost bin at home (not hot enough). While it can be industrially composted, mechanically and chemically recycled, and even incinerated for energy recovery, it does not biodegrade in landfill conditions.
Greaseproof Paper
Greaseproof paper, also known as wax paper, is coated to resist grease and oil. While it’s commonly used for wrapping greasy food items like hamburgers and fries, its environmental impact varies. The synthetic wax coating has an environmental impact. Most greaseproof papers aren’t biodegradable, hindering recycling. I use unbleached paper to limit it’s impact on the environment. Overall, greaseproof paper isn’t the worst offender, but responsible production and disposal matter. I am looking into more sustainable versions coated in plant based films. But not so currently.
Packaging Tape
Packaging tape, often overlooked, plays a vital role in securing parcels and boxes. I am using Paper Tape. It’s made from renewable resources like trees. Paper tape is recyclable and biodegradable. It’s an eco-friendly choice for sealing packages.
Aluminium Tins
The initial production of aluminium is energy-intensive and has a significant environmental impact. The mining and refining of bauxite ore require large amounts of energy and can result in habitat destruction and pollution.
However, Aluminium can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality. This significantly reduces the need for new raw materials and conserves natural resources. Recycling aluminium saves significant amounts (I have seen 95% quoted but can’t confirm that) of the energy required to produce new aluminium from bauxite ore.
So, recycling aluminium tins is key to making aluminium an eco-friendly form of packaging.
Plastic
Plastic is not good but sometimes hard to avoid. The windows in my cardboard boxes for the Picture Soaps are plastic of some sort. I am working on sourcing alternatives but so far no luck.
Reusing stuff send to me …
like filler pellets or bubble wrap. I haven’t bought any but keep them when send to me and if they are clean.