Materials used for packaging not only ease the transport of products from a manufacturer to a customer, but they also play a major role in protecting and preserving products during shipping. Wooden crating is still used today, but wooden crating adds unnecessary weight to the products, which increases freight costs. To save on costs, cardboard is used as a substitute for wood, and thanks to technological advancements, cardboard has proven to be a much lighter, economical, and viable replacement. However, cardboard has proven to have more benefits than its durability and weight.
Cardboard and paper are some of the most recyclable materials available, being 100% recyclable. As a result, the demand for cardboard recycling is increasing worldwide. Here are five reasons why cardboard recycling is ideal.
1. Energy-Saving
Because 25% less energy is required, the energy conserved by making and recycling cardboard can be used for other things. While previously unrecycled products use more energy than those that have been recycled before, the process still uses less energy to complete.
2. Reduces Deforestation
Cardboard recycling significantly reduces the dependency on cutting down trees that supply paper used in cardboard manufacturing. By reducing deforestation and recycling cardboard, oxygen levels in the atmosphere increase, and there is no threat to wildlife.
3. Stays Strong
Unlike some products, cardboard does not lose its strength when it is recycled. This is possible because cardboard can be layered to be as durable as needed when it is made into the finished product.
4. Greenhouse Gases Reduced
Instead of discarding cardboard that ends up in a landfill, studies show that cardboard recycling significantly helps reduce greenhouse gases that are harmful to the environment. When cardboard is sent to a landfill, methane gas is produced as cardboard deteriorates. The release of other harmful greenhouse gases is also reduced because of less dependency on equipment used to cut down trees.
5. Multipurpose Materials
Because cardboard is used for a variety of things, cardboard recycling offers a product that can be used repeatedly without going to waste. By recycling cardboard products, the creation of similar products made of plastic and other materials harmful to the environment is reduced.
From a pack of playing cards to the shipping industry, cardboard is a product that improves everyday life. By taking advantage of cardboard recycling, better health, a better economy, and a better environment can be achieved. Contact local recycling services to learn more.