| Make sure your packaging doesn’t cost the | | | | you have. Store used packaging chips in a plastic |
| earth | | | | bin in a cool dark environment. |
| Davpack Top 10 Tips To Reuse Your Packaging | | | | 6. Reusing Plastic Shopping Bags |
| Materials | | | | Once again, reuse is the best policy. If you run a |
| 1. Reusing Jiffy Mailing Bags | | | | shop why not accept used carrier bags and reuse |
| Initially, over-label and reseal with packaging tape. | | | | them? Major chains shy away from this (they |
| When the bags have been excessively written on | | | | might offer a competitor’s bag), and this is an |
| or have a torn flap, simply place inside a paper | | | | area where some independent stores take the |
| mailing sack or lightweight polythene postal bag. | | | | lead. If you need to buy carrier bags, look for |
| 2. Reusing Cardboard Postal Tubes | | | | recycled paper carriers and carrier bags made |
| Ensure that you save the end caps with the | | | | from recycled polythene – these are more |
| empty postal tubes, as this prevents the | | | | sustainable than using virgin polythene packaging. |
| packaging from becoming damaged at the ends. | | | | 7. Reusing Corrugated Cardboard |
| Over-labelling is simple, but using a document | | | | Cardboard packaging such as corrugated paper |
| enclosed envelope instead of a standard label can | | | | and cardboard layer pads can be easily reused as |
| make the postal tube easier to clean up and | | | | packaging protection for other items. For |
| reuse. | | | | example, layer pads can be saved and reused and |
| 3. Reusing Cardboard Boxes | | | | corrugated packaging can be cut down to provide |
| If you buy stock cardboard boxes instead of | | | | layer protection within cardboard boxes. |
| custom printed boxes, they’re easier for the | | | | 8. Reusing Waste Paper |
| next person to reuse. So instead of ordering | | | | Most waste paper can simply be passed through |
| specially printed boxes, use a peelable document | | | | an office or industrial shredder to make handy |
| enclosed label. When you open boxes, cut along | | | | paper loosefill. Use as packaging within boxes and |
| the tape, rather than ripping the end open. Stack | | | | parcels, to fill voids and provide cushioning. |
| full boxes well to avoid crushing at the edges and | | | | 9. Using Returnable Packaging |
| weakening the packaging strength. When the box | | | | When delivering items to a customer, consider |
| is empty, cut along the tape at the bottom and | | | | replacing disposable packaging material with |
| store flat to keep it in good condition for re-use. | | | | reusable packaging. Wooden Euro pallets are a |
| 4. Reusing Bubble Wrap | | | | good example of how packaging can be |
| When using bubble wrap packaging, think about | | | | standardised and returned to the original supplier. |
| the next user. Avoid excessive use of packaging | | | | Likewise stackable transit containers and roll cages |
| tape that’ll prevent the recipient being able to | | | | can reduce the use of boxes and stretch film. |
| snip the tape and flatten the bubble wrap. Keep | | | | 10. Pass On Your Packaging Materials |
| bubblewrap away from dust and moisture, so it | | | | If you’ve finished with a piece of packaging in |
| can be re-used as protective packaging. If it | | | | good condition, why not consider handing it on to |
| becomes stuck together or torn, or is an odd | | | | someone who can use it again? For instance, |
| shape, then simply scrunch it up to provide void fill | | | | schools are often looking for donated packaging |
| and provide packaging protection within boxes. | | | | materials, to use for art and drama projects. |
| 5. Reuse Loosefill Chips | | | | Meanwhile, if you’ve just moved house, you |
| While buying recycled or biodegradable loosefill | | | | could advertise your moving boxes in the free |
| chips is certainly preferable to buying polystyrene | | | | ads or make them available for the many people |
| chips, it’s still better to reuse the packaging | | | | who buy moving boxes online. |