Recycled Corrugated Boxes vs. New Corrugated Boxes

Boxes are the one product that is used by mostly all businesses, whether it be to package food, small items or large parcels. It is a product which is used by businesses all over the world. Corrugated Boxes are not only used for work but are used at home and for other tasks as well.

Due to the increase in E-commerce in recent years many packages are ordered online and shipments are made by delivering the packages straight to the consumers doorstep. The increase of online shopping has caused a rise in the number of boxes which are entering consumers homes.

Corrugated boxes are the most used when it comes to shipments since they are sturdy and can be used to fit a variety of substances. However,  not many consumers stop to think about the materials that are used while making them. 

Boxes are mostly made up of corrugated materials which can often be mistaken as cardboard. If consumers want to lean towards a more sustainable approach then they can invest in recycled corrugated boxes. Recycled corrugated boxes are better for the environment since they contain recycled fibers. 

Corrugated is one of the few materials that can be used for recycling through a well established and healthy market hence it never needs to go to waste. Companies and consumers collect and return the corrugated materials they have used so that they can be recycled into new ones.

Recycling is obviously the future and helps to create a more sustainable economy. One advantage of recycled corrugated material is not only that they are environmentally friendly but can also help in reducing the increasing rates of deforestation. Continuing on with the advantages, the recycled materials that usually end up in landfills will be reused in the material of these boxes hence, reducing the growth of multiple landfills, this will in turn reduce the methane effect.

Consumers are always looking for an environmentally friendly alternative. The percentage of corrugated material collected for recycling over the years has increased. 

Even though these recycled boxes have obvious environmental benefits it is important to ensure that they are the right fit for your products. After virgin materials are used once, they can be re-pulped five times until they reach a point at which they cannot be reused.

During that process the fibers grow weaker and shorter, when compared to the original material. So, from a business point of view using these recycled corrugated boxes may not be the best approach for fragile products or food. These boxes are made up of weak and short fibers which are not as durable when compared to virgin corrugated boxes.

If a company were to ship their product and damage is caused to it because the package was not durable, the company will have to reship their package. This will tamper with the company’s reputation. Although, consumers are inclined to using products which have less of a negative impact towards the environment. It also helps in increasing revenue for the end consumer since OOC has become increasingly valuable to paper mills and manufacturers.

Companies and retailers are now providing products in recyclable corrugated boxes by purchasing them in the right size for the right use. They are also prompting the use of materials such as fiber chips. The boxes that are used include an emblem.

Companies may make the extra effort to encourage consumers to place their empty boxes into recycling bins instead of throwing them away. This allows industries to reduce their environmental footprint. In order to make this aim more effective everyone should make a collective effort to reduce their environmental footprint!

Bahisht Nadeem