How to recycle corrugated cardboard: many ideas for creative recycling

The circular of 22 May 2020 of the Ministry of Health reports the virus resistance times on surfaces, which are minimal for paper and cardboard (about 3 hours) and last for several days on plastic and stainless steel. How long does Covid-19 last on surfaces? The data The transmission of the Coronavirus occurs mainly through droplets, or droplets imperceptible to the eye, which originate from simple acts such as speaking, sneezing and breathing. These droplets travel in the air at a distance generally less than one meter and settle on the surfaces, thus becoming responsible for the spread of the virus. The results therefore reveal that the virus resists on objects up to: 3 hours on paper 2 days on wood and fabric 4 days on glass and banknotes 7 days on stainless steel, plastic and inner layer of surgical masks. N.B: the data reported must be interpreted with caution, as the presence of viral RNA does not indicate that the virus is necessarily vital and therefore potentially infectious. (Source: http://www.trovanorme.salute.gov.it/norme/renderNormsanPdf?anno=2020&codLeg=74133&parte=1%20&serie=null) Reopening commercial activities: 3 rules to contain the virus In addition to the prevention measures now known to the population (spacing and frequent washing of hands), the circular of the Ministry of Health of May reports 3 fundamental points to contain the spread of Covid-19: thoroughly clean surfaces, objects, etc. with water and neutral detergents; disinfect with specific virucidal and authorized products; always ensure adequate ventilation and air exchange of the rooms. Which disinfectant to choose for cleaning surfaces? Stone, metal or glass surfaces: neutral detergent and disinfectant virucidal - sodium hypochlorite 0.1% or based on 70% ethyl alcohol or other concentration, provided that it is specified virucidal (against the virus). Wooden surfaces: neutral detergent and virucidal disinfectant based on ethanol at least 70%, or quaternary ammoniums (e.g. benzalkonium chloride; DDAC). Services: cleaning with detergent and disinfection with disinfectant based on sodium hypochlorite at least 0.1%. Textiles (e.g. cotton, linen): washing with warm water (70°C - 90°C) and normal laundry detergent; or washing at low temperature with bleach or other disinfectant products for the laundry. Coronavirus resistance on the surface: recapitulating The persistence time of Covid-19 on objects and surfaces therefore depends on inadequate protection, exposure and disinfection. A detergent or disinfectant is the ideal solution if we want to eliminate any risk of contagion from the products we come into contact with on a daily basis: from items on supermarket shelves to door handles, from elevator buttons to plastic and cardboard packaging. Social distancing and hand washing are therefore the cornerstone of correct prevention. Only through the conscious participation of each person and worker can we protect their own health and that of others.

Today, for many Italians, buying an Italian apple, choosing a local cheese, or preferring a national brand is a gesture that carries economic, social, and cultural value. This is what emerges from the new edition of YouGov's Behavior Change report, which snapshots the buying habits of over 15,000 consumers across 21 European countries. See also: “Sustainable packaging: what influences Italian consumers' purchases” Consumption as a conscious choice 64% of Italians are convinced that their purchasing choices have a concrete impact on society. This figure is well above the European average of 44% and reflects a change: consumption is no longer just an individual act, but an opportunity to support fairer and more sustainable economic models. Unlike other countries, such as Denmark or Serbia, where boycotting is a widespread practice for ethical or geopolitical reasons, a constructive approach prevails in Italy. Only 19% resort to boycotting, while the tendency to reward local and national producers is growing: 50% of Italians choose local products (compared to the 45% EU average) and 46% prefer Italian products (compared to 40% in other European countries). The strength of made in Italy Attachment to the local area is increasingly evident. 47% of Italians declare they want to increase their support for local producers in the coming months. Confirming this trend, 83% state they prefer "made in Italy" products and 75% opt for local brands, with a higher concentration in Southern Italy. Major brands are also seizing the value of this trend. Examples include initiatives such as the special edition of Nutella dedicated to Italian landscapes or the regional communication of Mutti, which highlights its production roots. The message is clear: local identity is a strategic asset. Quality, savings, and the fight against waste When it comes to choosing what to put in the shopping cart, product quality is the top criterion for 41% of Italians, followed by discounts and promotions (40%) and the commitment to reducing waste (38%). One in five Italians is willing to try new brands or products, especially in the personal care, detergents, confectionery, dairy, and bakery sectors. The comparison with Europe In the rest of Europe, the climate is more marked by insecurity and pessimism: 71% of respondents fear for global stability. The main concerns relate to economic crises, climate change, and family security. In Italy, too, however, the environment is at the top of the priorities: concern about climate change (40%) even surpasses that for the household budget. To protect their purchasing power, many European consumers are adopting defensive strategies: looking for deals, cooking more at home, and preferring budget brands or private labels. In this scenario, hard discounts are the only channel to record a positive balance between those who intend to increase purchases and those who want to reduce them. Health remains central A common trend across Europe is the focus on health and well-being: over 30% of people state that they exercise regularly and limit alcohol consumption. Interest in sugar-free, high-protein products with nutritional benefits is also growing. For companies like Cart-One, operating in the sustainable packaging supply chain, this scenario confirms how important it is to enhance regional identity, support local industry, and offer packaging solutions consistent with new consumer styles. Want to find out how our packaging can enhance your local products? Contact us To learn more: “Packaging, sustainability and the role of the responsible consumer: a global challenge”

When you need to package products, it is necessary to obtain suitable packaging, which protects the contents from damage. The market offers a wide range of items, suitable both for those who carry out manual packaging and for those who use automatic packaging lines. The first choice to make concerns the type of cardboard boxes for packaging to be preferred. According to your needs, you can choose an American box or a die-cutting. What are American boxes? The American boxes represent the cardboard cases of excellence and are processed with the direction flute always vertical, using a single sheet. They are sold and delivered folded and glued with a special base. This type of box is often used when you need a resistant product that stands out for its machinability. Another peculiar feature is the fact that it is made with different opening modes. Again, you can customize the box according to your needs by developing it around the product. For these reasons, it is possible to choose between American boxes with open top opening, with flap opening or without upper flaps. For those who do not have automatic packaging lines, generally the choice falls on the box with or without closing flaps and with an interlocking bottom, which offers the right support for the content. Strong and with reduced dimensions and production costs, the American box is perfectly suited to the needs of those who need a functional product that does not have particular aesthetic or design characteristics. What are the die-cuttings? The die-cuttings represent another type of packaging that boasts numerous variations in terms of design and possibilities, thus representing the ideal choice for those looking for a packaging that is functional and at the same time has attractive aesthetic features. The die-cuttings require different processing stages. However, the customization possibilities are greater; in addition, the die-cuttings can be processed either manually or through automatic lines. Among the most common types of blanks we can include wrap around, corrugated cardboard boxes very often used for the beverage sector and for all those cases where the product is self-supporting (bottles, metal tins and aluminum cans). Other models used in the beverage & food sector are the cardboard tray and the “plateaux”, which can have a high or low edge depending on the requests. The trays are supplied flat and are assembled directly from the customer's packaging lines. The “plateaux” is often used to replace wooden or plastic crates in the fruit and vegetable sector or in the I and IV range; it is already assembled in specific machines and delivered to the customer. It can be used to facilitate the transport of fruit and vegetables, offering excellent basic support. For those looking for a product that adapts perfectly to the product and that is equipped with a lid, but which does not exert strong compression at the same time, the choice may fall on telescopic boxes. This type of packaging is suitable for manual packaging lines for delicate objects that require special care. When you need to speed up manual packaging operations, in the absence of an automation line, cardboard boxes with a snap-on bottom are recommended. Although the shape is similar to that of the American box, the box with a snap bottom is worked like a die-cut and can be made in different sizes to perfectly adapt to the content. Cardboard packaging: advantages and disadvantages As we have seen so far, corrugated cardboard boxes are present in the packaging sector with a variety of models that makes them perfect for every need. American boxes: Resistance and low production costs VS. standardized design. Die-cut boxes: Variety of types of packaging VS. more expensive equipment, sometimes multiple production steps. If you are looking for a partner for your corrugated cardboard packaging, by choosing the professionalism and experience of CART-ONE, you can get 360° advice that will guide you in choosing the right product, so as to fully satisfy your needs.