How Packaging Materials Are Recycled: A Practical Guide for Businesses

Author | Date: 2/2/2026

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” for UK businesses. Customers, regulators, and supply chain partners increasingly expect brands to understand and reduce the environmental impact of their packaging. For many companies, the biggest question is not whether packaging should be recyclable, but how packaging materials are recycled once they leave the customer’s hands.

Poor packaging choices can lead to contamination, landfill waste, and reputational damage, even when materials are technically recyclable. On the other hand, businesses that understand the packaging recycling process can make smarter design decisions, reduce waste management costs, and strengthen their sustainability credentials. This guide explains what happens to packaging after use, how common materials are recycled, and how businesses can choose recyclable packaging materials that work in real-world conditions, not just on paper.

TL;DR

Understanding how packaging materials are recycled helps UK businesses choose packaging that reduces waste, lowers disposal costs, and supports sustainability goals. Materials like cardboard, paper, glass, and certain plastics follow different recycling processes and perform best when packaging is kept simple and clean. Choosing recyclable packaging materials at the design stage improves real-world recycling outcomes and strengthens brand credibility.

How Are Packaging Materials Recycled?

Packaging materials are recycled through a process of collection, sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing into new raw materials. Each material, such as cardboard, plastic, glass, or metal, follows a different recycling pathway. Clean, single-material packaging is more likely to be recycled successfully. Packaging design plays a major role in whether materials are recycled or sent to landfill.

What Happens to Packaging After Use?

Once packaging is discarded, its journey depends heavily on how well it has been designed and disposed of.

The process typically starts with:

Collection through household or commercial waste systems
Segregation into recyclable and non-recyclable streams
Sorting at recycling facilities using mechanical and manual methods

For businesses, clear disposal instructions and material choices play a major role. Packaging that mixes incompatible materials or is contaminated with food residue often gets rejected, even if it carries recycling symbols. Understanding this early helps businesses design packaging that is actually recycled, not just labelled recyclable.

How Different Packaging Materials Are Recycled

1. Paper and Cardboard Packaging Recycling

The paper packaging recycling process begins with sorting paper and cardboard from other waste.

Steps include:

Shredding and pulping with water
Removal of inks, staples, and adhesives
Cleaning and filtering the pulp
Reprocessing into new paper products

This process supports the reuse of fibres multiple times, making paper-based packaging a core recyclable material for businesses.

2. Corrugated Cardboard Recycling

The cardboard recycling process for corrugated packaging involves separating the fluted inner layer from outer liners.

Key stages:

Breakdown of layered board
Removal of glues and printing residues
Reforming into new corrugated sheets

Corrugated cardboard is one of the most recycled packaging materials in the UK and forms the backbone of recyclable packaging boxes used in eCommerce and logistics.

What Is the Cardboard Recycling Process?

The cardboard recycling process involves breaking down used cardboard into pulp, removing inks and adhesives, and reforming the fibres into new cardboard sheets. Corrugated cardboard can be recycled multiple times if it is clean and dry. This makes cardboard one of the most widely recycled packaging materials for UK businesses.

3. Plastic Packaging Recycling

Plastic packaging recycling is more complex due to different resin types.

The process includes:

Sorting plastics by resin codes (PET, HDPE, LDPE, etc.)
Washing to remove labels and contaminants
Shredding into flakes
Melting into pellets for reuse

Plastics that are clean, single-material, and clearly labelled are far more likely to be recycled successfully.

Can Plastic Packaging Be Recycled?

Plastic packaging can be recycled depending on the type of plastic and local recycling systems. Plastics such as PET and HDPE are commonly recycled, while mixed or contaminated plastics are often rejected. Clear labelling and simplified packaging designs improve recycling success.

4. Glass Packaging Recycling

Glass is one of the most efficient packaging materials to recycle.

Steps include:

Colour sorting (clear, green, brown)
Crushing into cullet
Remelting into new glass containers

Glass can be recycled indefinitely without quality loss, making it highly suitable for circular packaging systems.

5. Metal Packaging Recycling

Metal packaging, such as aluminium and steel, follows a straightforward recycling route.

The process:

Separation using magnets and eddy currents
Melting and purification
Reshaping into new packaging or components

Metals offer near-infinite recyclability and high recovery rates.

Need Help Choosing Recyclable Packaging That Works in Practice?

If you’re reviewing materials or redesigning packaging for sustainability, speaking with a packaging advisor can help you avoid costly mistakes. Getting guidance early ensures your packaging is recyclable in real-world conditions, not just in theory.

Request Sustainable Packaging Guidance →

Common Recycling Symbols Businesses Should Know

Understanding symbols helps businesses choose suitable materials and communicate clearly with customers.

Key symbols include:

Mobius loop: Indicates recyclability
Plastic resin codes: Identify plastic type
FSC certification: Confirms responsibly sourced paper

Using recognised symbols improves disposal accuracy and supports informed purchasing decisions.

Challenges in Packaging Recycling

Even recyclable packaging can fail due to practical issues:

Contamination from food or liquids
Multi-material designs that cannot be separated
Unclear disposal instructions
Inconsistent recycling systems across regions

These challenges explain why simpler packaging designs often outperform complex “eco” alternatives.

How Businesses Can Improve Packaging Recycling?

Businesses can improve recycling outcomes by:

Choosing mono-material packaging where possible
Reducing unnecessary coatings and laminations
Using clear recycling instructions on packaging
Training staff on packaging waste management

These steps make recycling easier for both consumers and waste processors.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Choices for Businesses

Practical eco-friendly packaging materials include:

Recyclable cardboard boxes
Kraft packaging for strength and simplicity
Compostable options for specific use cases
Water-based and soy inks that reduce chemical residue

Sustainability works best when packaging design matches actual recycling infrastructure.

Business Impact for UK Buyers

Understanding how packaging materials are recycled directly affects:

Packaging costs: simpler materials reduce waste fees
Brand perception: visible sustainability builds trust
Shipping and handling: lighter recyclable materials lower transport impact
Operational efficiency: standardised materials simplify procurement

Recycling-aware design often leads to better commercial outcomes.

Comparison Table: Common Recyclable Packaging Materials

Material	Recycling Ease	Cost Level	Durability	Business Use Case
Corrugated Cardboard	High	Low	High	Shipping & eCommerce
Paperboard	High	Low–Medium	Medium	Retail packaging
Plastics (PET/HDPE)	Medium	Medium	High	Bottles & containers
Glass	High	Medium	Very High	Food & beverage
Aluminium	Very High	Medium	High	Cans & trays

How Buy Packaging Boxes Supports Sustainable Packaging?

Buy Packaging Boxes helps UK businesses adopt sustainable packaging for businesses through:

Recyclable and responsibly sourced materials
Custom packaging designed for easy recycling
Practical advice on material and print choices
Competitive pricing on recyclable packaging boxes

Our approach focuses on sustainability that works operationally, not just visually.

Conclusion – Recycling Starts with Better Packaging Choices

Understanding how packaging materials are recycled allows businesses to make smarter, more responsible packaging decisions. From cardboard and paper to plastics and metals, each material has a different recycling pathway and impact.

By choosing recyclable materials, simplifying packaging design, and working with experienced suppliers, businesses can reduce waste, control costs, and strengthen their sustainability credentials. The next step is reviewing your current packaging and exploring recyclable alternatives that fit your products and processes.

Ready to Switch to Recyclable Packaging That Actually Gets Recycled?

If you’re reviewing your packaging materials or planning a more sustainable design, we can help you choose recyclable packaging that works in real-world conditions, not just on paper.

Request a Free Cake Slice Boxes Quote →

FAQs – Packaging Recycling for Businesses

What packaging materials are easiest to recycle?

Paper and cardboard are the easiest packaging materials to recycle because they are widely accepted by UK recycling facilities and require minimal processing. Glass and aluminium are also highly recyclable and can be reused repeatedly without loss of quality. Clean, single-material packaging is always recycled more successfully than mixed materials.

Are cardboard boxes fully recyclable?

Yes, cardboard boxes are fully recyclable when they are clean and dry. Corrugated cardboard can be recycled multiple times and is commonly used to make new packaging products. Boxes contaminated with food, grease, or heavy coatings may be rejected by recycling facilities.

Can printed packaging be recycled?

Printed packaging can usually be recycled, especially when water-based or soy inks are used. Standard printing inks are removed during the recycling process for paper and cardboard. Heavy laminations, foil stamping, or plastic coatings can reduce recyclability and should be used carefully.

How can businesses reduce packaging waste?

Businesses can reduce packaging waste by using right-sized boxes, choosing recyclable materials, and simplifying packaging designs. Using mono-material packaging and clear recycling instructions also improves recycling outcomes. Reviewing packaging regularly helps identify unnecessary materials and cost savings.

Is recyclable packaging more expensive?

Recyclable packaging is not always more expensive. In many cases, cardboard and kraft packaging cost less than complex multi-material alternatives. While some eco-friendly options may have a higher upfront cost, they often reduce waste fees and improve brand perception over time