“Ignoring reduction and reuse in the print sector could have serious consequences. Recycling requires significant energy, water, and carbon, making it an expensive and resource-heavy solution. While necessary, it’s not the only solution. If we continue to print and produce without minimising waste or exploring greener materials, we risk depleting the very resources we rely on.” Hunt also picks up on the issue of greenwashing, saying some businesses will promote their recycling efforts as a sustainability badge while overlooking the bigger problem in society. She says without real change and thinking beyond our lifetimes, the industry risks falling behind, failing to innovate, and adapting to a world that is starting to put sustainability first. As for the role Reuseabox is playing, the company rescues cardboard boxes destined for the waste stream and put them back into the supply chain for a second use. Following circular economy principles, the company helps others reduce waste, keep cardboard in use for longer and regenerate the natural environment. “The problem is that many boxes are discarded after just one use, yet they can be reused four to six times,” Hunt says, adding: “On top of that, why are we wasting energy and resources recycling a box into the exact same box? By extending packaging life, we reduce demand for new boxes to be produced and cut down on unnecessary waste. Our goal is to shift businesses away from a ‘recycle everything’ mindset and towards a more sustainable approach that prioritises reduction, reuse, and smarter material choices. “We understand that recycling will always have a role to play, but we cannot continue using disposable materials indefinitely and expect recycling to solve everything. If we truly focus on reduction, reuse, and designing with alternative materials in the packaging and print industry, we can help ensure that our businesses can operate as part of a genuine circular system.” Sustainability is certainly a challenge, not only for print companies, but businesses across all industries. Recycling offers a simple yet impactful, and often cost effective, way of boosting your environmental credentials. To really be serious about your business operations, researching effective recycling schemes and reuse schemes can be the best way for you to be efficient and successful. ▲ Soyang Europe offers both PVCfree media and solutions made from recycled materials ► Reuseabox advocates for reducing material use and adopting reusable or alternative materials 75 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 354 - May / June 2025 RECYCLING SCHEMES According to the UK government, recycling accounted for 8.2 million tonnes of the 12.7 million tonnes of packaging waste arisings in 2023 Factoid
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