How to avoid making confusing recycling claims
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A study by Which found that less than half of all on-package recycling labels are correct. Which is probably why 8 in 10 people still recycle incorrectly.
In 2023, it's not as simple as slapping a sustainability symbol on your packaging and hoping for the best. That's because customers are waking up and looking to make smarter decisions about the products they buy. So it's time to make more informed packaging decisions using real recycling data, which you can rely on, and your customers will reward you for.
Why recycling is so confusing
As part of our series around meeting EPR compliance, we included guidance around the importance of communicating the recyclability of your products to consumers. The way we've done this for the past decade or so is by printing on-package recycling labelling. But this method is outdated and confusing, seeing as each local town or city has its own recycling rules. This means what is recyclable in one place might not be the same as in the next.
Make informed packaging decisions
Our not-so-secret big secret power is data - and we have lots of it. By leveraging our comprehensive database of every single local recycling rule across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, we're able to tell you with pinpoint accuracy the degree of recyclability of your packaging, including where your products are not recyclable. So you can plug any gaps, avoid confusing recycling claims and instead celebrate your sustainable packaging efforts. We'll even load your products into our local recycling app so your customers always get to recycle right. The best part? It's completely free of charge!
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Now that regulators are clamping down on greenwashing claims, it's the perfect time to invest in more sustainable packaging decisions that help you build brand loyalty, stay ahead of the competition, and remain environmentally compliant.
Check out this case study from our Brand Verified friends over at Sunrays and hear from sustainability Manager John Paap explain the positive impact that Scrapp has had for them.
How brands can help tackle plastic pollution
- Measure the impact of products and packaging 🕵️♀️
- Use data to prioritise improvements 📊
- Reduce waste and emissions ♻️
Looking for a helping hand?
Are you embarking on your own sustainable packaging journey, or looking to certify the recyclability of your products? Our sustainability experts are here to guide you. If you need further guidance, personalized strategies, or more details about our digital recycling tools, don't hesitate to reach out. We're committed to helping you achieve your sustainability goals.
FAQ
What's a packaging audit, and why is it worthwhile for brands?
A packaging audit is where we pull in all of the essential information necessary to understand how your packaging performs, what it is made of, and how these two factors affect its recyclability or, in some cases, compostability. It is worthwhile to any brand or retailer as it allows them to stay ahead of policy. With Extended Producer Responsibility and Waste diversion goals centered around ESG initiatives, it is vital to have an understanding of your company's waste flows both on-site and out in the market.
What happens during the packaging audit?
Once your team has enrolled, you will have someone from the team assigned to you to help you through the process of uploading your information.
What do brands get out of conducting a packaging audit?
For material deliverables, they receive a certification that certifies how recyclable their packaging is across the globe based on the material and the collection programs available. What we see our customers do most often is use our packaging audits as a way of educating their customer success teams and retailers about what can be done with their packaging.