Almost everyone has heard the term ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ at some point in their lives. This phrase emerged in America in the mid-1970s during the Vietnam War, a pivotal period for global politics and environmental action.

Fifty years later, this mantra has made significant strides, especially in our growing eco-conscious world. However, some myths about recycling need to be addressed.

Recycling cardboard is certainly beneficial, and we’re not here to discredit that. Our goal is to help you make more environmentally positive choices by prioritising reuse.

The benefits of buying used cardboard boxes

Cardboard is manufactured from wood pulp and fibres and is considered a sustainable product. However, the mass production of cardboard leads to extremely high levels of deforestation worldwide. If you’re sending out 2,500 products in brand-new cardboard boxes, you’re effectively contributing to the chopping down of three and a half trees. Instead, by choosing to reuse, you’re helping these trees live a little longer.

 

Beyond deforestation, the recycling process releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide and methane. Cardboard decomposing in landfills produces methane, which seeps into our ozone layer. In the UK alone, 5,389,000 tonnes of paper and cardboard packaging waste are produced annually, with nearly 30% not being recycled. Manufacturing 2,500 cardboard boxes emits around 530kg of CO2 per tonne. Reusing 1 tonne saves an impressive 1,100kg of CO2 emissions.

Although our planet is covered by 71% water, that doesn’t mean we should take it for granted. Reusing 1 tonne of cardboard saves an astonishing 201,944 litres of water; to put that into perspective, that’s the equivalent of 355,371 pints of beer.

As you can see, reusing cardboard boxes is undeniably more beneficial than recycling or using new boxes because it reduces deforestation, cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions, and conserves significant amounts of water. By opting to reuse, we extend the life of materials already in circulation, which not only mitigates environmental impact but also offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution. In essence, reusing cardboard boxes aligns perfectly with the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ ethos, making it a smarter choice for both the planet and our wallets.

What we’re trying to do at Reuseabox

We’re on a mission to reduce your packaging costs and help you make a positive impact on the planet. Simply swapping your new boxes for used boxes from Reuseabox could save you up to 50% on your packaging costs. Additionally, it demonstrates to your customers that you’re committed to improving the sustainability of your supply chain. We’ll even send you a reuse impact report after each order to show how you’re making an impact.

Ready to make a difference? Explore our range of high-quality used cardboard boxes. Join our community today to promote sustainability and save on packaging costs.