Rescue your packaging: five sustainable solutions

Every piece of packaging has a story—and it doesn't have to end in landfill. As part of Recycle Week's theme, "Rescue Me," we're joining forces with Priory Direct to show businesses how to rescue their packaging from a wasteful fate. The benefits go far beyond environmental impact—embracing reusable packaging and smarter choices can also support local charities.

Whether you're a business looking to reduce your waste or just curious about sustainable packaging practices, we've outlined five steps that will help you make a real difference.

1. Choose reusable materials

The easiest way to rescue packaging is to avoid single-use materials in the first place. Opting for reusable packaging solutions like corrugated cardboard, sturdy boxes, or even returnable containers can significantly reduce waste. Unlike disposable options, these materials are designed to be reused, repaired, or repurposed, giving them a much longer lifespan and helping you reduce repeat purchases. Priory Direct uses second-hand boxes for over 75% of its dispatches.

Look at it this way: choosing reusable packaging is better for the planet and for your bottom line.

2. Prioritise recyclable options

Not all packaging is created equal. When reusability isn't an option, always aim for packaging that can be easily recycled. Materials like cardboard and paper are widely recyclable, ensuring that even if they can't be reused, they won't end up in landfill. We generally advise against using LDPE material packaging like poly mailers, as they are extremely difficult to recycle due to poor infrastructure - in fact, compared to the 70% of cardboard that is successfully recycled in the UK, less than 5% of municipal LDPE waste is recycled.

Opting for more easily recyclable materials not only helps reduce waste but also supports a circular economy, where resources are reused and reintegrated into new products.

3. Sometimes less is more

One of the most effective ways to reduce packaging waste is through right-sizing - using packaging that fits your product just right. Oversized boxes and excess filler materials not only lead to wasted resources but can also frustrate customers.

Research shows that 72% of consumers say that packaging that is too large or wasteful negatively impacts their perception of a brand. Not only does it look like a waste of materials, but it also sends a message that the company isn't prioritising sustainability. Shipping larger than necessary packaging increases your carbon footprint due to the wasted space taken up in transport. Make sure you aren't 'overpacking' - test your way to reduced packaging in order to establish the right level of protection and review where you could eliminate packaging entirely.

By switching to the right-sized packaging, businesses can save money on materials and shipping costs while reducing their environmental impact.

4. Support closed-loop packaging systems

Closed-loop systems are designed to keep materials in use for as long as possible. They work by recovering and reprocessing materials at the end of their life, turning them into new products. Many forward-thinking packaging solutions are part of this movement, with a focus on reducing the need for virgin materials. By choosing suppliers that offer packaging within a closed-loop system, you're directly contributing to the circular economy.

5. Donate unwanted packaging to a good cause

Often, businesses find themselves with surplus packaging materials or stock they no longer need. Instead of throwing it away, why not donate it?

A Good Thing makes it easy for businesses to give away unwanted items, including packaging, to local charities that can put them to good use.

It's a win-win: businesses reduce waste, and charities get much-needed supplies. Rescue your packaging by giving it a second life where it's truly needed.

Small Changes, Big Impact

By making a few minor adjustments, you can rescue your packaging from landfill and give it a second life. Businesses have a key role to play in creating a more sustainable world through reusing, recycling, or donating.

This Recycle Week, let's all ask ourselves: how can we rescue packaging?

Together with Priory Direct, we're proud to be part of the solution, helping businesses rethink their waste and make more intelligent, sustainable choices. After all, packaging doesn't need to be a one-time thing. Let's rescue it, reuse it, and help it make a lasting impact.