As the festive season approaches, it's time to think not only about presents but also about their essential component – packaging, especially about its environmental impact. A simple magnet fastening can make a box non-recyclable and destined for landfill. At the forefront of sustainability, the experts at McLaren Packaging have devised a simple list of the top five things to look out for when buying gifts in presentation boxes to improve recyclability and lower the carbon footprint of gift giving.
SIZE MATTERS: While a larger box with more layers may appear more impressive, it uses more material and requires additional energy for production and transportation. Well-designed and appropriately sized packaging leaves no room for unnecessary empty space, and minimises its carbon footprint.
BETTER TOGETHER: Any packaging containing moulded plastic should be designed so that it can be separated for recycling or, better still, presentation boxes and their contents should all be made from the same recyclable material.
AVOID MAGNETS: While they make for a fuss-free way to close a box, magnets are made from non-renewable resources such as rare-earth metals, making their production energy-intensive[1]. Often sourced from the other side of the world, those small components can account for 20% of the carbon emissions linked to the manufacturing of a box[2]. For a more sustainable option choose friction closures.
- PERFECTLY IMPERFECT: Unique imperfections in recycled paper, such as coloured flecks from its previous life, should be embraced for the charm they bring as much as for the sustainability they offer. 60% of the UK’s recovered paper is currently exported for recycling, so buying such products helps to create a market for it in the UK[3].
- A BOX IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS: Choose packaging which will have a life after Christmas. Only 44% of plastic is recycled in the UK compared with 74% of paper[4]. Packaging made 100% from paper can be responsibly sourced, recycled, and biodegraded, offering great versatility in design and, by choosing the right materials, you can minimise its carbon footprint.
In all cases, checking the label for recyclability (like OPRL) and material sources (such as FSC) helps you to be confident you’re buying a pack that is more environmentally friendly. Sales and Marketing Director, Michael McLaren said:“As we search for the most attractive present to give to our loved ones, it’s easy to forget that attractive fastenings and perfect finishes can come at an environmental cost. By following our simple five tips, consumers can make more conscious choices and use their purchasing power to reduce the environmental impact of their gifts.”
“McLaren Packaging are experts in lower carbon packaging and we want to encourage everyone to become more eco-friendly. The latest generation of recycled and recyclable packaging is just as beautiful as less sustainable choices. We think consumers have a key role to play in driving change.”
Improving the sustainability of products is core to the McLaren Packaging approach. Their strategy is specifically aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 12 and 13 around climate action, responsible consumption and production. McLaren Packaging's goal is to achieve Net Zero in its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2025.