Sustainable Packaging Practices
Reduce your environmental footprint with circular packaging strategies. Learn how buying used, recycling, and optimizing your packaging choices makes a measurable difference.
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Carbon reduction buying used vs new
Corrugated recycling rate
Pallets recycled annually in the US
Reuse cycles for quality packaging
The Circular Packaging Model
Instead of the traditional make-use-dispose model, circular packaging keeps materials in use as long as possible, extracting maximum value before recovery.
Source
Purchase used or recycled packaging materials instead of new. Every reused container avoids the energy and raw materials needed to manufacture a new one.
Use
Maximize each container's useful life through proper care, maintenance, and storage. Quality packaging can serve multiple use cycles.
Return
When packaging reaches end-of-life for your application, return it to a recycler like PackMesa rather than sending it to landfill.
Recover
Materials are sorted, cleaned, repaired, or processed into raw materials for new products — closing the loop and starting the cycle again.
Carbon Footprint: New vs Used
Estimated CO2 equivalent emissions per unit, including manufacturing, transportation, and processing.
| Packaging Type | New (CO2e) | Used (CO2e) | Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Pallet | 28.3 kg CO2e | 3.2 kg CO2e | 89% |
| Gaylord Box | 18.7 kg CO2e | 2.1 kg CO2e | 89% |
| IBC Tote | 142 kg CO2e | 15.8 kg CO2e | 89% |
| Bulk Bag (FIBC) | 6.4 kg CO2e | 0.9 kg CO2e | 86% |
| 55-Gal Plastic Drum | 35.2 kg CO2e | 4.7 kg CO2e | 87% |
| Corrugated Box (avg) | 1.3 kg CO2e | 0.3 kg CO2e | 77% |
Estimates based on industry lifecycle assessment data. Actual emissions vary by manufacturer, distance, and local energy mix.
Recycling Rates by Material
Current US recycling rates for common industrial packaging materials.
Highest recycling rate of any packaging material. Can be recycled 5-7 times.
Steel is infinitely recyclable without quality loss. High scrap value drives collection.
Repaired and reused, chipped for mulch/fuel, or recycled into particle board.
Recycled into drainage pipe, lumber, and new containers. Rate improving.
Low recycling rate due to contamination. Clean bags can be recycled into pellets.
Zero-Waste Packaging Strategies
Practical steps to minimize packaging waste in your operation, ordered by environmental impact.
Reuse First
Prioritize reusing packaging before recycling. Each reuse cycle eliminates the energy and emissions of manufacturing and recycling entirely.
Right-Size Packaging
Eliminate excess material by matching container size to contents. Less material means less waste at every stage.
Implement Return Programs
Set up closed-loop systems where packaging is returned, inspected, and reused. Works especially well for IBC totes and pallets.
Choose Recyclable Materials
When single-use packaging is necessary, choose materials with high recycling rates like corrugated cardboard and steel.
Partner with Recyclers
Work with packaging recyclers like PackMesa to ensure your end-of-life materials are properly recovered rather than landfilled.
Track and Measure
Monitor your packaging waste by weight and type. What gets measured gets managed. Set reduction targets and track progress.
Environmental Certifications
Key certifications that verify sustainable packaging practices and help customers make informed choices.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
Applies to: Wood pallets, corrugated boxes
Certifies that wood and paper products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative)
Applies to: Wood pallets, corrugated boxes
North American forest certification standard ensuring sustainable harvesting practices, reforestation, and biodiversity protection.
How2Recycle Label
Applies to: All packaging types
Standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to end users, improving recycling rates.
Cradle to Cradle Certified
Applies to: All packaging types
Evaluates products across five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.
ISO 14001
Applies to: Manufacturing facilities
International standard for environmental management systems. Certifies that an organization systematically manages its environmental impact.
PackMesa's Sustainability Initiatives
Used Packaging Marketplace
We give quality used packaging a second (and third, and fourth) life, keeping materials in circulation and out of landfills.
Recycling Programs
We accept and process end-of-life packaging materials, ensuring they are properly recycled into new products.
Local Operations
Based in Mesa, AZ, we serve the Phoenix metro area — minimizing transportation distances and the associated carbon emissions.
Waste Reduction
Every used container we sell replaces a new one that would have been manufactured. We estimate this prevents thousands of tons of CO2 annually.
Start Your Green Packaging Journey
Whether you want to buy used packaging, sell your surplus, or set up a recycling program, PackMesa can help you reduce waste and save money at the same time.