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Wrapping and Packaging

Reduce	* * *	Use shredded waste paper for protective packaging
Reuse	* * * *	Padded bags, envelopes, boxes can be used again
Recycle	* *	Some waste paper merchants will take cardboard boxes
Buy Recycled	* * * *	Recycled envelopes come in white, green and manilla

The types of packaging waste arising from a workplace include cardboard boxes, plastic and paper envelopes, canteen items such as wrappings from individual portions of butter, jams and milk, and packaging round cleaning and washroom materials. The actual materials involved vary - cardboard, paper, various plastics, including polystyrene 'beads' and foil, often combined into a single packaged item, possibly contaminated with food waste. Apart from the cardboard boxes, which may be reused or, in some instances, recycled, most of this type of waste is unsuited to further processing, apart from the possibility of energy recovery through incineration.

Reducing and reusing packaging

However, there is considerable scope for reusing packaging and being inventive about making packaging materials from waste.

Padded bags can be reused many times.
Polystyrene beads can be collected up and saved for reuse.
Paper unsuited to recycling, such as coloured paper, can be shredded and used as protective padding.
Pieces of cards, such as those that form the back of A4 notepads, can be saved to stiffen envelopes, for sending photographs or artwork to printers.
Cardboard boxes can be reused for sending bulk orders.
Unusual sized envelopes are worth keeping for the occasional non-standard package.

Buying recycled packaging and envelopes

Most of the brown manilla envelopes already contain recycled material, although it is not always publicised, but it is also possible to purchase recycled white and green envelopes in a range of sizes. When buying padded envelopes, choose ones with a filling of shredded paper rather than the bubble plastic, as the former use recycled material. There is also a range of envelopes made from recycled plastic, which may be more suitable for certain types of use than paper envelopes. Most cardboard boxes are also largely made from recycled material. Shredded office waste paper, particularly that which is not suitable for recycling, can be used as protective padding, in preference to polystyrene chips. However, it is now possible to buy a machine which will turn expanded polystyrene packing into chips. Some companies are now using folded cardboard shapes in place of moulded polystyrene for packing equipment for transport.