We thought we’d also take a moment to talk about our packaging. We often hear people conflate the terms “recycled” and “recyclable” when referring to the various boxes, envelopes and sacks they receive in the mail.
These two words sound similar, they look similar. But they are different! And, in a world where waste is surging and resources are finite, they're worth some extra attention.
“Recycled” = What your packaging is made out of. It means some or all materials came from waste—either post industrial scraps (as in, reused in the process of manufacturing the packaging) or post-consumer (PCR) content (meaning a consumer has touched and used it, then turned it over into the recycling waste stream).
Choosing recycled over virgin content fuels recycling infrastructure and cuts your packaging’s carbon and resource footprint. Here at Bigelow Lane, we’ve chosen 100% recycled paper packaging, of which 90% is post-consumer content.
“Recyclable” = What your packaging can become. It refers to whether packaging can realistically be collected, sorted, and remade into new products. The paper mailers we use here at Bigelow Lane are all recyclable in curbside recycling programs, meaning it can be recovered and processed into something else. We chose paperinstead of plastic mailers, as part of our commitment to reducing plastic use and waste. Further, plastic mailers (even the recycled kind) are not recyclable in all municipalities, and rarely in curbside recycling programs.
Both “recycled” and “recyclable” packaging are interdependent: “Recyclable” packaging ensures it can re-enter the material stream as a “recycled” material.
Want to check a brand’s commitment to the environment? Look at what they’re saying about both! And, if they aren’t saying much, it’s pretty safe to assume they aren’t making their packaging a brand priority!
