Industry guidelines to enhance recyclable transport packaging

In addition to its primary functions such as product protection, consumer information, and transport bundling, recyclable packaging has another key advantage: its materials can be reused for new packaging, thus conserving resources and remaining in cycle.

Legislation is therefore increasingly focusing on the recyclability and reusability of packaging. The Recyclables Forum has now examined outer and transport packaging, investigating which materials used in shipping cartons, films, displays, and the like are suitable for recycling, and which are not. The recycling experts have compiled the results in two free publications in the “Packaging Optimisation” specialist package led by Frank Kurrat, managing director of Interzero Recycling Alliance.

The “Guidelines for Assessing the Recyclability of Transport Packaging” and the “Assessment Model for the Use of Recycled Materials in Transport Packaging Films” can be downloaded free of charge here.

Read more: Germany’s Packaging Act is forcing OEMs to prioritise recyclability

They help product manufacturers, retailers, and other players shipping goods optimise the use of outer and transport packaging. The assessments and recommendations support them in increasing the recyclability of this packaging and in correctly separating, sorting, and saving packaging materials. This, in turn, contributes to the return of materials to the economic cycle, thus saving resources and reducing waste.

The “Guidelines for Assessing the Recyclability of Transport Packaging” provide recommendations for environmentally friendly packaging materials and show which materials are ideally used in outer and transport packaging. The overview helps warehouse locations answer questions about the material that is being used and whether it is easily recyclable. In a second version, the experts have added comments that provide more detailed information on the recyclability of cardboard boxes, packaging films, and other types of materials.

The “Assessment Model for the Use of Recycled Material in Transport Packaging Films” provides a detailed assessment of the use of recycled plastic (post-consumer recyclate, or PCR) in transport packaging films. Based on current technical possibilities, it shows in which applications recyclate can be used effectively.

This article first appeared on Automotive Logistics’ sister site, Neue Verpackung.