Rowlinson's guide to recyclable packaging options

Sustainable packaging: The guide to recyclable packaging options

The global shipping of products makes up 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it the sixth-largest greenhouse gas emitter worldwide.

As an unavoidable part of the consumer lifestyle, companies around the globe must do all they can to reduce this figure and assist the impact left on the planet every day.

One large factor in the resolution of the damage done is the expansion of recyclable packaging options, leading to the creation of more reusable and sustainable packaging to transport goods.

As a whole, the Packaging Industry is currently working hard to establish a circular economy for packaging. The aim is to return as much waste as possible back into the packaging ecocycle.

Join us as we discover the impacts of global shipping and how wooden packaging can assist the growth of your eco-conscious business.

Is wood packaging eco-friendly?

When harvested responsibly by fully accredited companies, wood or timber is one of the most sustainable and renewable resources available for global shipping networks. Being recyclable, biodegradable and capable of storing vast amounts of carbon, the timber used in packaging is predominantly sourced from forests that have replanting programs ensuring every tree that is cut down is replaced.

Especially compared to plastics, the wood sourced from sustainably harvested forests helps reduce the carbon footprint because it has a negative carbon footprint.

Recycling wooden pallets

Being used up to 70 times before being recycled, wooden pallets have become a pinnacle of sustainable packaging. Manufactured to accommodate products of all sizes, once they have served their purpose most of the wooden pallet components can be separated and sorted for further use or recycling.

Hundreds of millions of pallets are used around the world each year to transport and store goods. With so many being used so frequently, pallets are often well-used and need disposing of. Businesses across all industries which use pallets must understand how to responsibly manage pallets and why they should be recycled.

Designing and manufacturing wooden pallets for over 50 years, Rowlinson Packaging Ltd has developed an internal recycling process that cuts out any additional travel or storage time of used pallets.

All timber waste from our wooden pallets and other bespoke packaging manufacturing processes, as well as old packaging from our customers when not re-used is sent to our in-house biomass boiler, which in turn converts the timber into energy that heats our factory and kilns creating our own internal circular economy.

Certified sustainable wood for packaging

With a world of timber being used for packaging, it can be unnerving to try to uncover which companies are using sustainably sourced timber for their packaging. Below you’ll find a few accreditations to look out for when researching your sustainable timber packaging:

ISO 14001

Minimising environmental footprint

Internationally recognised, ISO 14001 is the standard framework put in place for companies to have Environmental Management Systems(EMS) in place.

By adhering to this standard the proactive approach to environmental management can result in tangible benefits, such as reduced waste, energy conservation, and cost savings for both packaging companies and their clients.

ISO 9001

Continual sustainable improvements

With over a million organisations recognised by the ISO 9001 standard, businesses must improve their performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality.

The commitment to improvement and Quality Management Systems (QMS), brought about by this accredited standard ensures the ongoing optimisation of manufacturing processes to reduce waste and improve overall customer confidence.

Waste carriers license

Environmentally friendly waste disposal

A legal requirement for all businesses throughout the UK that transport waste as part of their commercial activities, the waste carrier licence ensures all waste is safely and legally disposed of.

As a UK wooden packaging manufacturer, this accredited licence showcases that internal operations are completed without waste timber being dumped and all potential materials are being disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.

How can eco-friendly packaging affect your business

No matter the industry you’re in, sustainable, recyclable packaging has become a powerful tool to appeal to global customers serving as a visible and tangible indication of your brand’s dedication to environmental impact. With the rise of the conscious consumer, seeking high-quality sustainable packaging is now a key selling point.

As a direct benefit to your business, this in turn plays a direct role in preserving our environment and overcoming some of the major environmental challenges we face. Utilising sustainable timber packaging over traditionally used plastics that are non-recyclable and take centuries to decompose helps decrease the potential for landfill or oceanic waste.

Over time the increase in the use of sustainable packaging for your business, will more than likely lead to cost savings. With reduced waste disposal and the potential of recyclable and compostable components, timber manufacturers can implement routine systems that collect and dispose of packaging locally reducing overall collection costs.

Timber as well as being sustainable is also incredibly sturdy and malleable, with the ability to be manufactured into a wide range of bespoke packaging options; warehouse containers, wirebound containers & metal-edge cases.

Interested in working with an industry-leading sustainable timber packaging manufacturer within the UK that can supply wooden pallets, plywood cases, warehouse containers and more to all regions of the nation, you can contact us on 01829 260 571 or get in touch through our contact form right here or email [email protected].

This article was originally published by Rowlinson Packaging.