Sustainable packaging is more than just a trend, it’s a crucial part of preserving our planet. One way to make a significant difference is by applying the 3 Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—to packaging. Cardboard is already a recyclable material, but by embracing all three steps of the 3 Rs, companies and consumers alike can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and support the circular economy.

Reduce

Reducing waste starts with how we design, use, and manage cardboard packaging. For companies, this means considering the size, type, and thickness of boxes and other packaging materials. Here are some effective ways to reduce cardboard usage:

Choose the right size box

Choosing the right size box can cut down on unnecessary material use. By using smaller boxes and reducing excess space, companies can use less cardboard and save on transportation costs, as smaller boxes take up less room during shipping. Furthermore, if you have boxes too large for your products, this can result in having to use void fill such as bubble wrap. Not only is this an added expense to you, but it is also producing more single-use waste.

Know the dimensions of cardboard packing boxes you need? Contact Reuseabox and the sales team will help to find the perfect box for your needs.

Fluting

Reducing the thickness of cardboard used in packaging without compromising its strength can lead to substantial reductions in material use, especially when applied across high volumes. Look for single wall boxes that are ‘heavy duty’, these will be strong boxes that use less materials.

These small adjustments have a huge collective impact. By optimising packaging and using less cardboard per order, businesses can save thousands of tonnes of material yearly.

Reuse

One of the most sustainable actions we can take with cardboard packaging is to reuse. It is always better to keep products in use rather than allow them to enter the recycling or waste streams. Here’s some easy ways to promote reuse:

Encourage customers to reuse

Companies can actively encourage customers to reuse their boxes for storage, shipping, or even creative DIY projects. Simple instructions on the box or on company websites can inspire customers to find creative uses for their packaging. We love this funny one from Sock It To Me.

Creating return and refill programs

Some businesses are adopting a circular approach by allowing customers to return packaging for refills or reuse. Companies such as Fill Refill and Smol offer reusable packaging for their products which reduces waste.

Buy used cardboard boxes instead of brand new ones

By choosing to ship your goods in a once used box, you don’t contribute to the deforestation involved in box manufacture. You also save energy, water and carbon which is involved in the process of making brand new boxes.

Reuseabox offer long-term, regular supplies for many cardboard packing boxes. Oh – and they’re up to 50% cheaper than buying them brand new!

Send your unwanted boxes to reuse instead of recycling them

Most manufacturers generate large volumes of used cardboard boxes, considered to be ‘waste’. Traditionally this is baled and recycled. But there is an alternative, you can sell your cardboard boxes. Reuseabox can collect your used boxes unprocessed and divert them for a second use as packing boxes.

By reusing instead of recycling your boxes you can:

• Reduce your waste processing costs.
• Reduce your environmental impact.
• Increase revenue from your waste.

Recycle

Finally, recycling is the essential last step in the lifecycle of cardboard. When cardboard is recycled properly, it can be broken down, turned into pulp, and transformed into new boxes and products. It is so important to try to first utilise the first two steps, then use recycling as a last resort.

Make recycling easy for customers

Companies can add clear recycling instructions on boxes, informing customers of the nearest recycling locations or how to prepare boxes for recycling. Adding information about the recyclability of the packaging and where to recycle locally encourages participation.

Choose recycled materials for new boxes

By sourcing cardboard that has already been recycled, businesses can reduce the demand for virgin materials and lower their overall environmental footprint.

Conclusion

Adopting the 3 Rs with cardboard packaging has powerful benefits. Not only does it save resources, but it also reduces carbon emissions, lowers waste management costs, and creates a more sustainable economy.

Whether you’re a business or a consumer, consider how you can apply the 3 Rs to your use of cardboard packaging. For businesses, it might mean redesigning packaging to use less cardboard or starting reusing boxes. For consumers, it can be as simple as reusing boxes for storage or ensuring they make it into the recycling bin when they’re no longer needed.

Together, these small steps can lead to a big difference in creating a world where cardboard packaging is part of a sustainable, circular solution.