• Phone Polyformes 01525 852444
  • Email Polyformes sales@polyformes.co.uk
Phone Polyformes
Email Polyformes

What is recyclable packaging?


Is foam packaging recyclable?

Recyclable packaging is packaging that once processed, can be used over and over again. Recyclable packaging can be made from various materials, including paper, some plastics, and certain types of foams, such as ARPLANK. But, when looking to recycle your business’s packaging, it’s important to remember that some packaging, although it may contain recyclable material, it may be mixed with other non-recyclable material, including:

  • Certain plastics, including Cling Film, blister packaging, metallised plastic film
  • Specific ink, particularly metallic ink
  • Previously recycled paper, shredded paper, or waxed paper
  • Styrofoam (packaging peanuts)

It’s also important to know that many recycling facilities won’t accept or be able to recycle contaminated packaging. So, if possible, rinse off dirt, grease or chemicals, before adding the packaging to the recycling bin.

Some common types of packaging that CAN be recycled

  • Boxes with packaging tape – Although the tape itself cannot be recycled, recycling facilities will accept boxes that include tape, as the recycling process includes a method of separating and discarding most types of tape.

  • Printed boxes – Printed boxes are commonly recycled, but as mentioned above, if the ink is metallic, the recycling facility may refuse to accept the packaging, or simply add it to landfill instead at the recycling plant.

  • Bubble wrap – As most bubble wrap is made from low-density polyethylene, it is commonly recycled, but make sure to find a recycling facility that accepts it, as the process differs from the recycling of other plastic.

Is foam packaging recyclable?

Yes, some foam packaging is recyclable. Three types of foam packaging that are recyclable, include:

  1. Extruded Polystyrene Foam (XPS) – This type of foam packaging is often used in food packaging, particularly fast food packaging, due to its heat and moisture-resistant properties.

  2. Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS) – This is the sort of foam you might find protecting your new phone, camera, and various other types of technology, and is 100% recyclable.

  3. Polyethylene Foam (PE) – Polyethylene foam is used across a wide range of industries, due to many of its standout properties, including heat, water, and chemical resistance.

ARPLANK – a 100% recyclable foam

If you’re looking for a sustainable packaging solution leading the way in recyclability, you need to be looking at ARPLANK. Made from 30% recycled material, ARPLANK is highly resilient and can be 100% recycled.

Other benefits to ARPLANK are that it is odour-free, doesn’t contain halogenated, or brominated compounds, and is designated by the SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry) recycling standard, as low-risk, recycling category 4.