With the increasing awareness of sustainability and environmental impact, recycling has become an important practice for consumers and businesses alike. Packaging materials like paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal can often be recycled, repurposed and given a second life. This guide will provide an in-depth look at the most common packaging materials, their recyclability and best practices for recycling.

Paper and Cardboard Packaging

Paper and cardboard packaging represents the largest segment of packaging materials.

White and brown paperboard is easily recyclable through municipal recycling programs. Coated or laminated paperboard is more difficult to recycle and requires separating the layers first. Recycled paper and cardboard can be made into new paper products like boxes, paper, and cardboard.

The Impact of Coatings and Inks

Coatings like aqueous, UV, and plastic lamination improve appearance and durability. Lamination coats paperboard in a thin plastic that is hard to separate and recycle. Soy-based inks are more eco-friendly than petroleum-based inks. Ink removal and separation is part of the paper recycling process.

Recycling Glass Packaging

Glass bottles and jars are 100% recyclable if unbroken and sorted properly. Broken glass can contaminate paper recycling batches so should go in separate bins. Glass is crushed, melted, and molded into new glass packaging.

Plastic Packaging and Recyclability

Plastic packaging has many variations including PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS. PET and HDPE plastics have the highest recycling rates currently. Not all plastic packaging is accepted by municipal recycling programs. Sorting and separating plastic types is important for the recycling process.

Recycling Metal Cans and Containers

Aluminum cans are highly recyclable and can be reused repeatedly. Steel tin cans are also recyclable when properly prepared. Crushing and baling recycles metal cans efficiently.

Recycling Wood Packaging

Untreated wood pallets can be recycled or reused easily. Treated wood requires removing chemical coatings first before recycling. Recycled wood is made into paper, boards, mulch and more.

Being a Conscious Consumer

Check local municipal guidelines on accepted materials. Clean and sort packaging properly before recycling. Purchase products with recycled or eco-friendly packaging when possible. Reuse packaging materials creatively before recycling.

Recycling packaging materials properly helps reduce waste and environmental impact. Consumers must educate themselves on recycling best practices for common packaging like paper, glass, plastic and metal. With some care and effort, we can give used packaging a second life.