Packaging is an essential part of many businesses and products, but it can have a negative environmental impact if not properly managed. Some of the most common packaging materials are single-use plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down.

To reduce the amount of plastic waste produced and make packaging greener, business owners and consumers can opt for materials that are reusable or compostable. Reusable packaging is designed to be used multiple times before being recycled or disposed of. And compostable packaging can be safely broken down into natural elements in a composting environment.

Common Reusable Materials

Some of the most common reusable materials that can be used for packaging include:

• Glass – Eco-friendly, recyclable and available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
• Cardboard – A lightweight material that can be reused multiple times.
• Metal – Durable and recyclable, metal packaging is ideal for heavier items.
• Fabric – An economical and sustainable option for lightweight items.
• Ecofriendly Tapes – Use tape made from renewable sources, like hemp or jute.

Benefits of Reusable Packaging

Reusable packaging has several key benefits over single-use materials, including:

• Reduced waste: It helps decrease the amount of plastic and other materials that end up in landfills or our oceans.
• Cost savings: It can allow businesses to save money by reducing the need for new material purchases.
• Durability: It is usually much sturdier than single-use materials, making it ideal for shipping and storage.

Compostable Materials

Compostable packaging materials are made from biodegradable items that can be safely broken down in a composting environment. Some of them include:

• Compostable plastics and resins.
• Natural fibers such as jute, cotton, and hemp.
• Bioplastics made from plant materials.
• Paper and cardboard products.

Benefits of Compostable Packaging

• It leaves no lasting environmental damage
• Reduces landfill waste
• Helps businesses cut down on their plastic waste

Upcycle Uses PET Pellets to Create Sustainable Packaging

Upcycle is a company that produces sustainable tapes from post-consumer recycled PET pellets. The pellets are collected from used plastic water bottles, then melted down and formed into new packaging products.

This innovative solution helps keep plastic waste out of landfills, while also significantly decreasing the need for new plastic packaging items. The result is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution that can help businesses curb carbon emissions.

Facts about Upcycle:

• Proud to be Made in America quality products
• Eliminate costly import duties, which currently run between 8-10% of the value of the imported products
• Shift imports to the Port in Charleston, reducing import costs and supporting American jobs.
• Enhancing our competitive position with regard to overseas manufacturers
• Vertically integrate operations by consolidating manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing with the corporate headquarters into one location
• Consolidated operation and warehousing with corporate headquarters into one location
• A positive workplace in South Carolina and Lexington County with numerous employer incentives
• Increase efficiency through additional automation

In conclusion, businesses and consumers alike can make their packaging greener by utilizing reusable or compostable items. Upcycle is one such organization that is leading the way in terms of sustainability by creating products from recycled PET pellets.