Packaging Advice

Packaging EPR: 3 products to reduce waste management fees

4 mins

As businesses strive to become more environmentally responsible and reduce their carbon footprint, one area often overlooked is packaging materials. Not only do sustainable packaging solutions help conserve resources and reduce pollution, but they can also lead to significant cost savings through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives. From reduced disposal costs to EPR incentives and rebates, the benefits of embracing sustainable packaging are tenfold.

Whilst the precise cost of waste management remains unspecified by the UK government, it is evident that materials that enable easier recycling will result in lower waste management fees.

In this blog, we explore three innovative packaging products that not only contribute to a greener planet but can also help lower waste management fees for your business.

1. Paper void fill

Traditional plastic packaging materials, such as bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts, have always been seen as the traditional option for protecting products during shipping. However, due to their detrimental impact on the environment and associated waste management costs, these once-preferred options are facing increased scrutiny and criticism.

As a sustainable alternative, Paper void fill is an excellent option. Made from recyclable and biodegradable materials, Paper void fill offers excellent protection for your products. It can be easily crumpled and used to fill empty spaces in shipping boxes, preventing items from shifting during transit. Moreover, when it's time to dispose of it, paper void fill can be recycled or composted, reducing waste management costs and environmental impact.

2. Honeycomb paper wrap

Honeycomb paper wrap is a versatile and eco-friendly packaging material that offers superior cushioning and protection for fragile items. This innovative solution is created by sandwiching layers of paper together to form a honeycomb pattern, providing excellent shock absorption and cushioning during shipping. It’s known as the sustainable version of traditional bubble wrap, but without the negative environmental impacts that come with plastic.

One of the key advantages of honeycomb paper wrap is that it's 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Honeycomb paper wrap is lightweight, which can further cut down shipping costs, making it a cost-effective and eco-conscious choice for your packaging needs.

3. Paper tape

While plastic tape has long been the standard for sealing boxes, paper tape is the sustainable alternative, without any performance drawbacks. It adheres securely to cardboard boxes, providing a strong seal that holds up during transit and is fully biodegradable and recyclable. Examples of paper tape products include:

Kraft Paper Tape

Kraft paper tape is an eco-friendly adhesive tape made from renewable resources. It’s an excellent choice for sealing cardboard boxes and packages, especially for shipping and moving purposes. Kraft paper tape adheres well to a variety of surfaces and offers a secure seal. It’s commonly used for general carton sealing and is an ideal choice for environmentally conscious businesses.

Gummed Paper Tape

Gummed paper tape, also referred to as water-activated tape, is a type of paper tape that requires moisture to activate the adhesive. It forms a stronger seal than traditional paper tape and provides a tamper-evident bond when applied to cardboard boxes and cartons. Gummed paper tape is particularly suitable for businesses that require high-security packaging, such as e-commerce companies, as it provides an added layer of protection against tampering.

Using paper tape not only reduces your business's reliance on non-recyclable plastic materials but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Unlike its plastic counterparts, paper tape can remain on cardboard boxes during the recycling process, eliminating the need for time-consuming and costly tape removal. This streamlines the recycling procedure and minimises contamination, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective waste management practices.

By making the switch to paper tape, your business not only demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship but also stands to benefit from reduced waste disposal fees and a smoother recycling process.

Packaging EPR: Sustainable solutions from Swiftpak

At Swiftpak, we source responsibly and are committed to helping maintain the health of our environment. We offer an extensive range of sustainable packaging products that are ideal for businesses looking to achieve environmental goals. With over 45 years of experience, we have guided a huge variety of businesses in different industries on sustainable packaging. Feel free to contact our friendly team today who will be more than happy to help you.