Moving house? Shipping goods? Or posting items big and small? Whether you need a single cardboard box or a whole fleet of tape and envelopes, here at SmithPackaging, we’ve got you covered. As the UK’s leading packaging providers, we prioritise safe delivery of your goods with no minimum orders and plenty of recyclable packaging options, so you can enjoy fuss-free packing and shipping with us. 

Why Recyclable Packaging Matters for Businesses 

The global packaging industry is undergoing a transformation. With landfills overflowing and consumers increasingly choosing brands that prioritise sustainability, recyclable packaging is no longer a niche option—it’s a necessity. The average household in the UK produces over 27.7 million tonnes of waste per year, and nearly half of that is recyclable. Yet, many businesses are still missing the mark simply because they’re not sure which packaging materials can be recycled. 

That’s where we come in! This blog is your go-to guide for uncovering the best recyclable packaging options and showing you how making the switch can boost your brand’s reputation, cut costs, and keep you in line with all the latest environmental regulations. Let’s dive in! 

So… What Packaging is Recyclable? Let’s take a look: 

Cardboard Packaging 

Cardboard is one of the most well-known recyclable packaging materials, which is why cardboard boxes are such a great sustainable option. Pack them, ship them, re-use them, or break them down and add them to your recycling pile. Other kinds of cardboard packaging can also be recycled, such as cardboard backed envelopes and smaller cardboard postal boxes. 

Pro Tip: Ensure any adhesive tape or stickers are removed from cardboard before recycling for smoother processing. 

Shop recyclable cardboard boxes 

Paper Packaging 

Paper packaging is one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable choices when it comes to packaging as it’s so easy to recycle. This includes all kinds of paper – from envelopes to paper tape and paper void fill. If you’re recycling cardboard boxes or packaging, check the tape first. Paper tape can be recycled alongside your box, but any kind of plastic tape should be separated first and put into a different recycling pile. 

Important Tip: Remove any non-paper components (like plastic windows on envelopes) before recycling. 

Check out our eco-friendly paper packaging 

Some Plastic Bags and Wraps 

While we don’t always think of plastic as being recyclable packaging, there are some kinds out there that can definitely be recycled. Any packaging made from low density polyethylene can be recycled. This means your mail bags are good to go. Some bubble wrap (also made from low density polyethylene) can also be recycled, meaning that you don’t need to flinch the next time you wrap up your valuables. (And yes, the bubble wrap you buy from us can be recycled!) 

Shop our sustainable mail bags 

Packing Peanuts 

While not all packing peanuts are good for the recycling bin, the eco-friendly kind most certainly are. Eco-friendly packing peanuts are made from biodegradable and 100% compostable materials. While packing peanuts are traditionally made from styrofoam, these kinds of peanuts are perfectly planet-friendly. Made from plant matter, the packing peanuts can be used time and time again or simply composted without causing damage to the earth or our oceans. 

Buy eco-friendly packing peanuts 

How to Choose Recyclable Packaging for Your Business 

Selecting eco-friendly packaging is easier with the right guidelines. Use this checklist to ensure your packaging materials are recyclable and sustainable: 

• Cardboard: Check if it can be reused or broken down into new products. 

• Paper Packaging: Check if it has any plastic components. Remove any non-paper elements before recycling. 

• Packing Peanuts: Check that they are biodegradable or compostable.  

This checklist will raise awareness on making environmentally friendly choices. 

Make the Switch to Sustainable Packaging 

We’re passionate about the planet. This is why we put a great deal of emphasis on offering an entire range of eco-friendly packaging as standard. From reusable boxes to eco-friendly packing peanuts and paper tear tape, we love packaging that can serve its purpose time and time again. If you want to know what packaging can be recycled, keep reading to find out how to play your part for the planet.