Cardboard Waste: Facts and Statistics
Cardboard waste is a major problem for businesses and the environment. The quantity of cardboard we discard has skyrocketed as more people shop online. The good news is that cardboard is a terrific option for businesses to help the environment because it is one of the easiest materials to recycle.
Recycling cardboard doesn’t just help the planet—it can also save money. Tools like cardboard balers and recycling guides can make managing your waste simple and efficient, while also helping your business contribute to a more sustainable future.
Why Cardboard Waste is a Major Business Issue
As online shopping and e-commerce have grown, cardboard has become the preferred material for packaging. However, it also means that cardboard waste is higher than it has ever been. Although businesses contribute significantly to the issue, they may also help find a solution by effectively managing their waste.
Common examples of cardboard waste:
- Food packaging: cereal boxes, pizza boxes.
- Delivery boxes for internet orders.
- Shipping packing for furniture, appliances, and heavy commodities.
- Shoe boxes
- Cardboard tubes
- Toilet and kitchen paper rolls.
- Milk and juice containers
- Tissue and laundry powder boxes
Businesses are legally responsible for proper waste management. Ignoring this might result in fines and tarnish your reputation. By implementing waste management solutions, you will remain compliant while also helping the environment.
Key Cardboard Waste Statistics
Global Perspective
- Over 72 million tonnes of cardboard are produced annually worldwide.
- 90% of products are shipped in cardboard packaging materials.
- An estimated 17 billion cardboard tubes are discarded each year.
UK-Specific Facts
- The UK generates 5.4 million tonnes of paper and cardboard waste annually.
- 70.6% of cardboard packaging is recycled in the UK.
- Recycling saves the equivalent of 34 million trees every year.
These figures highlight the scale of cardboard waste and the critical need for recycling efforts across industries.
Environmental Impact of Cardboard Waste
Cardboard waste has a big impact on the environment. While it can break down naturally, it still takes about two months to decompose. During this time, it takes up space in landfills and releases greenhouse gases.
Making new cardboard uses a lot of energy, water, and resources. Recycling, however, has huge benefits:
- Saves water, oil, and energy.
- Reduces the amount of space needed in landfills.
- Prevents deforestation by cutting down the demand for new materials.
Cardboard Recycling: Key Facts and Benefits
Recycling cardboard involves breaking it down into fibres to make new materials. While the quality of the fibres reduces each time they’re recycled, it’s still one of the best ways to handle waste responsibly.
- Recycling one tonne of cardboard saves 17 trees and 4,000 kilowatt hours.
- It requires 75% less energy than producing new cardboard.
- Reduces carbon emissions and promotes the circular economy.
Recycling cardboard is a simple and effective way to make a difference.
How Businesses Can Reduce and Recycle Cardboard Waste
Effective management of cardboard waste begins with reducing waste generation and ensuring proper recycling. Here are some strategies businesses can adopt:
- Implement sustainable packaging designs: Opt for materials that are lighter, reusable, and recyclable.
- Encourage reuse: Reuse cardboard boxes and other packaging materials wherever possible.
- Use cardboard balers: For businesses generating large volumes of waste, balers can compact cardboard efficiently, saving space and simplifying disposal.
- Small Vertical Baler (LFA 151): Ideal for smaller volumes of cardboard, creating a 150kg bale. Suitable for cornershops, retail, hospitality and small warehouses.
- Large Vertical Baler (LFA 500 HD): Ideal for high volumes of cardboard, creating bales up to 500kg. Recommended for supermarkets, warehouses, and logistics centres. Handles cardboard, plastic film, dry waste, and paper.
- Large Horizontal Baler (LFA 450 H.FE.PC): Perfect for very high volumes of cardboard with continuous feeding capability. Suited for distribution centres, warehousing stores, and manufacturers.
- Double Chamber Baler (LFA 151 D): Manages two waste streams simultaneously, with bales up to 200kg. Ideal for printing, publishing, and logistics.
- Automatic Horizontal Baler (LFA HA 1211): Fully automated operation, compact design, and high-quality mill-size bales. Suitable for warehousing, manufacturing, and e-commerce operations and recyclers.
Learn more about hiring cardboard balers.
- Follow recycling guidelines: Ensure compliance with recycling regulations by referring to resources like the Cardboard Recycling Guide for Businesses.
Economic Advantages of Recycling Cardboard
Recycling cardboard doesn’t just help the planet—it’s good for business too:
- Cost savings: lower processing fees and avoidance of landfill taxes.
- Revenue Generation: The potential earnings from selling compacted cardboard.
- Operational efficiency: Increased space utilisation and productivity.
- Environmental benefits: resource conservation and lower energy consumption.
- Net Zero Goals: Improving resilience and contributing to climate change mitigation.
Recycling cardboard is a smart investment for your business and the planet.
Although it feels like cardboard waste is an inevitable consequence of most of business operations, it doesn’t have to be an issue. Businesses may decrease their cardboard waste, recycle responsibly, and enjoy the related economic and environmental benefits by being aware of important facts and data.
The time to take action is now. Find the best cardboard waste management solutions for your company in three easy steps by using tools like our Product Finder (1. Select Waste > 2. Enter Amount > 3. See the Recommended Products). To start the positive influence right now, look into cardboard baler hire and follow the Cardboard Recycling Guide for Businesses.
