You’re probably tired of hearing that plastic is destroying the planet. However, there is a great deal of misleading information about this material. What is really leading the planet to an unsustainable situation is the current production and management model of goods, resources and services, which seeks to boost short-term consumption of this material.
Did you know that around 50% of European food is wrapped in plastic and that about eight million tonnes end up in the sea? Plastic causes problems, as a bad use of its life cycle, together with its long lifespan, creates waste and pollution. Precisely for this reason it is necessary to properly manage the waste generated by this material.
Facing this serious problem, new trends have appeared which prevent that plastic will end up as another waste product in the environment. These trends are directly related with Circular Economy, which aims to ensure that the value of the products, materials and natural resources is maintained for as long as possible.
In other words, the purpose of the Circular Economy model is to lengthen the lives of products to the maximum in order to reduce the amount of waste. Plastic should never end up as waste in the environment. It is a material that can be recovered by recycling and to make that possible, appropriate and precise management is required.
Recycled plastic, a sustainable alternative.
There are still relatively few companies that show their commitment with sustainability and the environment, but those that care for the planet have managed to produce long-lasting products and savings on the use of raw materials and energy consumption.
The ability to recycle and use a plastic depends on its composition, application and available facilities. Check the product specifications for food applications.
Comparing materials and transport requires considering the full load, route and life cycle.
As a result, prohibiting plastics and forsaking the advantages and benefits that this material offers society is not an effective solution for reducing waste. The solution resides in raising awareness: avoiding single-use plastic and make sure products, not only plastic, do not end up in the environment.
The well-known 3 Rs of ecology –reduce, reuse and recycle– is everyone’s responsibility. Plastics are recyclable materials that contribute to Circular Economy, so using recycled plastic in your distribution chain will benefit both your company and the environment.
To counteract the misleading information about this material, several organisations working in alliance with Circular Economy set into motion a campaign called #WeLovePlastics or #DoNotBlamePlastics and launched an infographic of good practices, with the aim of explaining the benefits of making good use of this material.
How does Tradepallet contribute to sustainability?
GreenBox recycled pallets have joined the Circular Economy model, which means that they reduce the impact on the environment caused by plastic. The process is very simple:
TradePallet is a recycled polypropylene pallet. Collection of used material is agreed with each customer; plastic components can be recovered for reuse.
TradePallet is a recycled plastic pallet. Ask about supply and collection terms for your operation.
Price and terms
Contact Green Box for current TradePallet prices and terms for your operation.
When comparing options, consider supply terms, intended use and how the material will be handled afterwards.
Weight and transport
Pallet weight and arrangement affect a load. Transport costs and emissions depend on the route and the operation.
Reverse logistics:
The reverse logistics process includes the controlled disposal of products and considers waste as a reusable raw material.
The process takes charge of transferring materials from the consumer back to the manufacturer or waste collection points, so they may be properly reused and recycled.
Green Box arranges collection of used material according to the agreement with each customer and route.
Proper management is the key factor
Littering or leaving rubbish lying about is one of the most serious environmental problems for our surroundings. If we do not become aware of the harm we are doing, by 2025 there could be 250 tonnes of plastic in oceans an unsustainable situation for the planet.
Consequently, as affirmed by the #Don’tBlamePlastic campaign, the problem isn’t plastic in itself; the key lies in society’s behaviour and in proper management throughout the long life of this material.
The decision to use recycled plastic products is a Good way to contribute to the targets that follow the Circular Economy model. Now you know, we either change our behaviour or we change our planet.
Reuse, reduce and recycle!
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about this article
What is a recycled plastic pallet?
It is a pallet made wholly or partly from recycled plastic; its exact composition depends on the product.
Which Green Box product is discussed?
The article presents TradePallet, a nestable plastic pallet in the Green Box range.
How does pallet weight affect a shipment?
The pallet contributes to the packaging weight. Check it separately from the weight of the goods.
What should be agreed before reusing the pallet?
Agree on the collection point, how used pallets are prepared and the conditions for their return.
Where can I check current TradePallet terms?
Review the product page and ask Green Box about availability and terms for your operation.