End of waste Paper and Cardboard: how waste becomes resource

The practice aimed at encouraging the sustainable use of recoverable materials is now increasingly widespread, focusing attention on respecting the Planet and adopting increasingly eco-sustainable practices. Recyclable, compostable, biodegradable: what are the differences? In modern society, there is an increasing focus on the health of the Planet thanks to good daily practices related to the correct management of waste recycling, but also to the knowledge of certain terms that concern precisely these actions. Terms such as biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and non-recyclable materials are used. Having greater knowledge and awareness of these now commonly used terms means understanding what the real differences are in product disposal, in order to select and purchase objects, packaging, and materials knowing their disposal cycle in advance. So let's discover all the details.   Read also: “Environmental labeling in packaging: what Italian regulations say”   What recyclable means A recyclable material is a waste material that can be used again in production processes, such as glass, paper and cardboard, aluminum, plastic, and wood. In this regard, Directive 94/62/EC 17 recognizes the social and economic function of packaging. Packaging, in fact, must be designed to allow the recycling of at least a percentage of the materials used in compliance with European Community regulations, based on specific criteria concerning all stages of the packaging life, the so-called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the life cycle analysis that evaluates the environmental footprint of a product or service. In recent years, the percentage of recycled waste was recorded at 63% of national production; according to the 2021 Urban Waste Report, paper and cardboard account for 19.2% of the total. A figure that demonstrates how necessary it is to continue on this path, increasing the recovery of packaging as much as possible, making them more performing, reusable and, above all, recyclable.   “The term recyclable is constantly used to define materials and products without a defined and shared reference. But the recyclability of a product goes beyond being technically recyclable: consumers must have access to a collection and recycling system, a recycler must be able to treat the material, and an end market is needed for the regenerated materials”. (Steve Alexander, President of The Association of Plastic Recyclers)   The recycling of these materials has become possible only thanks to a correct and conscious waste separation operation, which allows these waste elements to be transformed into a resource, giving them new life, thus reducing materials that end up in landfills.   Non-recyclable materials This refers to dry waste, also called unsorted or residual dry waste, waste products that cannot be recycled in any way. On the contrary, they must be disposed of in landfills, in a waste-to-energy plant, or in a facility where refuse-derived fuel is produced. Non-recyclable dry waste includes, for example: diapers, sanitary pads, cotton swabs, cotton, plastic objects that are not packaging, objects composed of various materials that are not easily separable, cash receipts, ceramics, ballpoint pens, dirty paper, sponges, etc.   What compostable means A compostable material, after degrading, is transformed into compost, a substance rich in nutritional properties usually used as a fertilizer to enrich the soil. According to the UNI EN 13432 standard, a material is compostable if it is: biodegradable; disintegrable, meaning it consists of fragments smaller than 2 mm; free of eco-toxic substances; low in heavy metals and fluorinated compounds; with pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium values below the established limits.   Always according to European regulations, a product can carry the word “compostable” if it is biodegradable within just 3 months and if it passes ecotoxicity tests as proof that it cannot exert any negative effect on the environment. A classic example of compost is pruning waste and fruit and vegetable leftovers.   What biodegradable means Biodegradable is defined as waste consisting of materials that decompose thanks to the action of microorganisms and bacteria, sunlight, or other natural atmospheric agents. Degradation can occur under two different conditions: Aerobic - in the presence of oxygen: the substance produced can be used as a fertilizer or substrate in agriculture and floriculture; Anaerobic - in the absence of oxygen: the substance produced, in addition to agriculture, can be used as a gaseous fuel.   A material can be defined as biodegradable if it is able to transform within six months; this means that what remains of the object must be able to be absorbed into the ground in the form of water, carbon dioxide, mineral salts, and other elements.   Difference between compostable and biodegradable From what has been said so far, it is clear that for waste to be defined as compostable, it must inevitably be biodegradable and, conversely, a biodegradable material is not necessarily compostable because, for example, it might not disintegrate sufficiently during a composting cycle. The main difference between the two types of material therefore lies in the degradation speed, but also in the complete non-toxicity and chemical composition: this means that what is compostable returns to the earth as a nutrient substance in the form of compost, while the biodegradable returns to nature in the form of mineral salts and other simple elements.   Cart-One's eco-sustainable commitment The main problem, until a few years ago, was the inability to dispose of packaging, containers, and other plastic objects made of non-recyclable materials, which therefore ended up in unsorted waste. Today, thanks to new circular economy models, it is possible to produce ecological, safe, and advantageous materials for the environment, health, and the economy. Cart-One, for example, has decided to invest more and more in sustainability and innovation, with great sensitivity towards environmental protection policies. Always a promoter and implementer of the circular economy, Cart-One has adopted the produce-consume-regenerate-recover model, thanks to which production waste becomes a reel and then a box again. In the packaging universe, these actions translate into the use of clean and innovative technologies, an eco-design understood as a packaging design that pays maximum attention to raw material savings, and with the continuous improvement of production processes aimed at reducing water, air, and soil impacts. ECOGRIP, for example, is the corrugated cardboard alternative to plastic shrink film, developed by the joint experience of the Paneuropean Alliance Blue Box Partners (BBP) of which Cart-One is a member. ECOGRIP eliminates the need to use a single-use plastic shrink wrap when transporting multiple bottles. It provides 100% biodegradable packaging, designed to fit any type of bottle on the market.   You might also be interested in: “Packaging Trends 2023: all the new packaging developments”   Cart-One produces and develops innovative corrugated cardboard packaging that meets the specific needs of every product sector, thanks to active collaboration with customers, but also to a flexible and efficient service with eco-sustainable projects and concrete examples of cost reduction. Contact us to receive all information.

The food industry is increasingly aware of the importance of environmental sustainability. In this context, material recycling and reuse play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of the entire production chain, from the factory to the consumer and the end business. Sustainability: recycling and reuse for a second life of materials. This article will explore how our commitment can support companies across various food sectors in adopting sustainable practices through our innovative packaging. Read also: “Eco-sustainability and packaging: a review of 2023” Recycling and reuse against the environmental emergency We live in an era where the environmental crisis is an inexorable reality. Natural resources are depleted, waste is increasing, and climate change is becoming more and more evident. In this scenario, it is vital to adopt practices that reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. Recycling is one of the most powerful tools available to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources. Separating waste, recovering materials, and reintroducing them into the production cycle is a practice that everyone can adopt. Aluminum, plastic, paper, and glass are just a few examples of materials that can be recycled to reduce the use of virgin resources. Reuse goes beyond mere recycling, encouraging creativity and reflection on our consumer society. Reusing objects or materials instead of throwing them away can mean less production of new goods and, consequently, a smaller amount of waste. Furthermore, reuse promotes the idea that every object has the potential for a second life. Sustainability as a competitive advantage in B2B The food industry is constantly evolving, driven by the need to adopt sustainable practices. Cart-One is actively committed to meeting the specific needs of each product sector. In partnership with its customers, Cart-One offers a flexible and efficient service, developing optimization projects and eco-sustainable solutions that contribute to giving materials a second life. Pasta and Bakery: Cart-One develops customized biodegradable packaging, reducing waste and ensuring a positive ecological footprint; Water, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages: the bottles produced by Cart-One for the water and beverage sector are engineered to be recyclable and robust, offering a sustainable option without compromising quality; Canned tuna: innovative packaging solutions, meeting the specific needs of the customer for a more sustainable supply chain; Fruit, vegetables, and dairy: Cart-One works with fruit, vegetable, and dairy suppliers to optimize packaging, reducing unnecessary materials and promoting more sustainable logistics; Sweets and chocolate: eco-friendly packaging solutions, helping to reduce costs and demonstrating a tangible commitment. Active collaboration for a sustainable future Cart-One is not just a packaging supplier, but an active partner in the transition toward sustainable practices. Our collaboration with food industry companies aims to develop concrete cost reduction and optimization projects, while ensuring a positive environmental footprint. Through the flexibility of our services, open collaboration with clients, and continuous research into sustainable solutions, we guide companies and individuals toward an eco-friendly future. To facilitate the ecological transition, businesses can still implement a series of best practices, such as: Environmental audit: a thorough analysis of the environmental impact of one's production chain; Research and development: to discover new sustainable materials and processes; Effective communication: transparently communicating sustainable initiatives to businesses and end consumers; Participation in environmental initiatives: to demonstrate ongoing commitment. Adopting sustainable practices in the food industry not only helps preserve our environment but can also serve as a competitive advantage in the B2B market. Companies investing in sustainability today are building the foundations for a greener and more prosperous future. Cart-One stands out for its deep sensitivity toward environmental protection policies. We have always been not just supporters but active players in the circular economy. Our production model embraces the concept of "produce, consume, regenerate, recover", transforming our production waste into a new reel and, subsequently, into a box within our plants. Contact us for more information or to request a free quote for your packaging. To learn more: “Sustainable and recycled paper for product packaging: case studies”

We live in an era where fake news is a daily occurrence, but this does not only concern the digital world. Paper, cardboard, and their recycling are also frequently at the center of misconceptions and wrong ideas, which end up being considered true simply because they are widespread. Unveiling false myths about paper and its recycling: truths and lies to debunk. In this article, we will unveil some of the most common myths related to paper and its environmental impact, providing concrete data and irrefutable truths. Discover how paper can be one of the most sustainable resources and why it is important to continue using and recycling it responsibly. See also: “Packaging: paper is the fastest-growing food packaging material” Myth 1: paper destroys forests The truth: A common misconception is that paper production is one of the main drivers of deforestation. However, only 12% of the world's timber is used for paper production. Most deforestation is caused by the conversion of forests into agricultural land and by the timber industry for other purposes, such as construction. Furthermore, the European paper industry is committed to using wood from sustainably managed forests. This wood often comes from thinning operations necessary to maintain forest health and from residues of other industries, such as sawmills. Myth 2: reducing paper consumption will save forests The truth: The European paper industry adopts sustainable forest management, planting three trees for every tree harvested. This approach has contributed to an annual increase in European forests equivalent to 1.5 million football fields. In Italy, forests grow by 6,450 km² each year, the equivalent of 4,363 football fields. These data show that paper production and use, when managed correctly, can be compatible with forest conservation and expansion. Myth 3: all paper should be recycled The truth: Paper is already one of the most recycled materials in Europe, with over 72% of utilized paper being recycled. This makes paper one of the most recycled materials overall. In Italy too, more than half of the paper produced comes from recycling. However, certain types of paper require virgin fibers to meet specific quality standards, making the use of kraft paper necessary in some specific cases. Myth 4: paper production is polluting The truth The paper industry represents an example of excellence in using clean technologies. Italy is a leader in the European Ecolabel certification, which attests to the ecological excellence of the product. Modern technologies used in paper production allow for minimizing environmental impact, making paper an increasingly sustainable product. Myth 5: paper contributes significantly to CO2 emissions The truth: Paper is a natural, renewable, and recyclable product that helps curb CO2 emissions. Comparative studies show that reading a paper newspaper every day produces 20% less CO2 than reading the news online for about 30 minutes. This demonstrates that paper, although often perceived as less eco-friendly than digital, actually has a relatively small environmental impact. Myth 6: paper production consumes a lot of energy The truth Energy consumption for paper production is comparable to other daily activities. A person's average annual paper consumption is 200 kg, requiring 500 kWh of electricity, equivalent to keeping a 60W light bulb turned on for a year. This consumption is comparable to that of household appliances on stand-by for an entire year, showing that paper production is not excessive from an energy perspective. Myth 7: paper is obsolete and unnecessary The truth Paper has been a fundamental means of communication for over 2000 years and continues to be so even in the digital age. It is indispensable in our daily life for culture, information, hygiene, and protection. It is a natural, renewable, and recyclable product, unsurpassed in durability and practicality. Despite the advent of digital, paper remains a core element of our society. Myth 8: paper is synonymous with bureaucracy The truth Paper is not responsible for bureaucratic inefficiency. It is simply a tool used in public and private offices. The quality and efficiency of services depend on how they are managed, not on the paper. Indeed, paper is a versatile and indispensable support for many aspects of our daily life. Myth 9: paper production wastes water The truth: The paper industry has become increasingly sustainable over the years. Today, to produce a ton of paper, 24 cubic meters of water are used, compared to 100 cubic meters in the 1970s. Furthermore, 90% of the water used is recycled, with only 10% being fresh input. This demonstrates the efficiency and sustainability of modern production processes. Debunking these myths is essential to better understand the importance of paper and its recycling. Paper is a sustainable, renewable, and recyclable material that continues to play a fundamental role in our society. Promoting accurate information can help counter false beliefs and improve recycling practices, contributing to a healthier environment. Investing in knowledge and awareness of sustainable practices related to paper is a vital step toward a greener and more responsible future. You might also be interested in: “Which packaging will be banned by 2030?” Source: Comieco