How Are Cardboard Boxes Recycled?

Here at ASC Direct, we pride ourselves on being a business that promotes sustainability. Not only do we plant a tree for every 1000 boxes manufactured, we also only produce 100% recyclable cardboard boxes, made exactly to size to avoid excess waste.

If you’re curious folk like us, you might be interested in the how and why cardboard is recycled. As more of us aim to be more  environmentally conscious, it’s important to understand why making these small steps can actually be a huge help in fighting the climate crisis.

Why Should I Recycle Cardboard?

Did you know that over half of the cardboard collected is used to make new cardboard boxes? The rest can then be downcycled into paperboard or chipboard.

A lot goes into making cardboard boxes. Producing 1 ton of cardboard requires 3 tons of trees (Earth911). By recycling your cardboard, you are helping combat deforestation. Recycling materials also means it doesn’t go to landfill which produces toxins, leachate and greenhouse gases - all very nasty to the environment!

How Are Cardboard Boxes Recycled?

Curious to know what happens to your cardboard boxes once you’ve added them to your green waste? Check out this step-by-step process:

• Firstly, the cardboard is separated from other paper
• Next, the cardboard is baled and sent to a mill where it is broken down into smaller pieces
• These pieces are then added to a pulping machine with water and chemicals that help break the cardboard down into fibres
• Ink and tape are then removed
• The paper fibres are bonded together
• The fibres are rolled, dried and then sent off to be repurposed into new boxes

Recycling your cardboard boxes means they can remain in circulation without further damage to the environment. It’s a fairly easy thing to do for most of us but can go a long way in helping to save the planet.

James Palfrey-Smith is the Commercial Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth. 

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