As a packaging company, we recycle 95% of all our waste, between cardboard, paper, plastic and other. Polythene is our primary packaging material and is recyclable through national schemes.
Contrary to popular belief, paper is more expensive and uses more energy in its production than polythene. Paper can take up to 20 times more space than polythene during transportation, ultimately resulting in excess CO2 emissions. Paper is expensive to recycle, as it requires a large amount of storage space. Polythene is recyclable and can now be made from vegetable matter.
- Refuse sacks and bin-liners
- Clinical waste sacks and aprons
- Damp proof membrane
- Plastic pallets
- Street and Garden furniture
Polythene versus Paper:
Regarding the production of both polythene and paper bags, the amount of emissions produced can differ significantly. This is illustrated on the table below and is based on 50,000 units of each.
| Gas Emissions | Kraft Paper | Paper Combinations | Polythene |
| SO2 | 19.4 kg | 28.1 kg | 9.9 kg |
| NO | 10.2 kg | 10.8 kg | 6.8 kg |
| CO | 3.0 kg | 6.4 kg | 1.0 kg |
| CH | 1.2 kg | 1.5 kg | 3.78 kg |
| DUST | 3.3 kg | 3.8 kg | 0.5 kg |
| Waste Water Pollution | Kraft Paper | Paper Combinations | Polythene |
| CSB | 16.4 kg | 107.8 | 0.5 kg |
| BSB5 | 9.2 kg | 43.1 kg | 0.02 kg |
Figures taken from British Polythene Industries PLC report 'in defence of polythene/plastics' (200x)
Polythene - 0.4m2 PE film with a thickness 50um. (18g)
Kraft Paper - 0.4 m2 Paper with a surface weight 90g/m2. (36g)
Paper Combination - 60% White Kraft Paper, 25% Brown Kraft Paper, 15% White Sulphite Paper.
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