There is often a lot of confusion regarding recycling, partly because of many recent changes to rules, regulations, and terminology. Here’s the Kudos Giftwrap guide to everything you need to know when it comes to commercial packaging. 

Recycled Content Products

This is a relatively new term, provoked by the looming plastic packaging tax due to be legislated in 2022. The aim of the tax is to persuade manufacturers to switch to recycled polyethylene tetraphyte (rPET), and the label ‘recycled content products’ has been coined to reflect materials such as rPET that are made totally or partially from recycled products. In packaging, this includes materials such as bubble wrap and air pockets. Switching to recycled packaging products can reduce costs and improve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ratings.    

Recycled Content

Recycled content is any material that has already served the use that it was originally intended for and is now being used for something else. For example, a damaged cardboard box can be repurposed by shredding it and using it as padding. Recycled content is encouraged as it significantly reduces organisational waste footprints whilst optimising the manufacturing process. As with recycled content products, recycled content will improve the sustainability profile of a company. Due to the efficiency of the process, it is also associated with increased cost benefits.   

Recyclable Products

Recyclable products refer to anything that can be recycled after use. For instance, rPET is often made from plastic bottles that were not originally made from recycled materials. However, if the consumer decides to recycle products after use, they have the chance of a second, third, or fourth incarnation. Recyclable products are strongly encouraged under the Waste Management Plan 2011, which was amended in 2021 to include measures to promote high quality recycling. As such, recyclable products are something that both the government and consumers find attractive.

What does this mean for my Company?

The pandemic may have been in the headlines for the last year, but environmental concerns have not gone away. The latest Environment Bill has been passed by the House of Commons and is currently in its report stage prior to the third and final reading in the House of Lords. Amongst the promises in the bill is the establishment of a new Office for Environmental Protection, which will be targeting businesses with legislation, sustainability, and tax incentives. As such, strategic thinkers will be planning ahead to ensure that packaging is optimised.

What next?

At Kudos Giftwrap, we care about the environment. We have a range of options that are fully compliant with the latest recycling demands, and can advise on the best choices for your product portfolio. For more information, please get in touch today.     

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