Recycled packaging

Polybags produces a number of product ranges from recycled polythene.

We are a responsible manufacturer, committed to producing eco-friendly packaging. We aim to demonstrate, both through our products and our production processes, that we care about the world around us.

We constantly monitor and evaluate our systems to minimise waste, and recycle any waste that is produced, provided doing so is beneficial for the environment (see Polybags and recycling, below).

We have recently introduced an extensive range of packaging containing at least 30% recycled content, which is exempt from the Plastic Packaging Tax introduced in the UK on 1 April 2022.

Advantages of using recycled plastic

• Uses fewer natural resources and energy than producing virgin plastic
• Reduces waste and the amount of material sent to landfill
• Suitable for a range of packaging applications, particularly those where a slight degradation in quality is acceptable (e.g. mailing bags, carrier bags, waste bags)
• Plastic packaging containing at least 30% of recycled content is exempt from the Plastic Packaging Tax, introduced in the UK on 1 April 2022

Disadvantages of using recycled plastic

• Not suitable for food packaging
• The recycling process weakens plastic's molecular structure, resulting in a lower-quality product
• Some plastics may require more material to produce a product of equivalent strength to one from virgin material, cancelling out any environmental gains from recycling
• Whilst reducing them, recycling does still produce carbon emissions. This is why Polybags operate a 100% recycling principle (see Polybags and recycling, below)

Polybags and recycling

Polybags take our environmental responsibilities very seriously. We always collect plastic waste in-house during the manufacturing process.

Whilst recycling material is generally beneficial for the environment, the recycling process uses energy and creates carbon emissions, so our manufacturing processes are always designed around a 100% recycling principle. This means that, wherever recycling plastic waste is more energy-efficient than disposing of it, we will recycle.

We have invested in state-of-the-art, in-house recycling technology to make the collection and transportation of recyclable material more energy-efficient.

In reality, this means we re-use nearly all of our waste plastic to make products in our of eco-friendly packaging range and are able to recycle with minimal energy output.

How much recycled content?

Polybags produces a number of product ranges made from 100% recycled material, including mailing bags, waste sacks, clear bags and carrier bags.

We have also introduced an large range of products containing a significant proportion of recycled content.

The Plastic Packaging Tax

Once again, Polybags has lead the way as the packaging industry moves towards more eco-friendly production, as a new tax on plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled content came into effect in the UK on 1 April 2022.

We have introduced over 120 new products containing at least 30% recycled content, so our customers have an even greater choice of recycled-content products - all of which are exempt from the new tax.

Whilst Polybags was ahead of the game in preparation for the Plastic Packaging Tax, our customers did not need to wait until the introduction of the levy to buy products that contain recycled content. We've been selling recycled products for years so now, as ever, just keep your eye out for our distinctive green % icons (see section above) as you shop at Polybags.

What's more, if you'd like to explore changing an order of printed mailing bags, printed carrier bags or any bespoke product to include a higher proportion of recycled content, then please get in touch.