Davpack Top 10 Tips To Reuse Your Packaging Materials

Make sure your packaging doesn’t cost the earth

Davpack Top 10 Tips To Reuse Your Packaging Materials

1. Reusing Jiffy Mailing Bags
Initially, over-label and reseal with packaging tape. When the bags have been excessively written on or have a torn flap, simply place inside a paper mailing sack or lightweight polythene postal bag.

2. Reusing Cardboard Postal Tubes
Ensure that you save the end caps with the empty postal tubes, as this prevents the packaging from becoming damaged at the ends. Over-labelling is simple, but using a document enclosed envelope instead of a standard label can make the postal tube easier to clean up and reuse.

3. Reusing Cardboard Boxes
If you buy stock cardboard boxes instead of custom printed boxes, they’re easier for the next person to reuse. So instead of ordering specially printed boxes, use a peelable document enclosed label. When you open boxes, cut along the tape, rather than ripping the end open. Stack full boxes well to avoid crushing at the edges and weakening the packaging strength. When the box is empty, cut along the tape at the bottom and store flat to keep it in good condition for re-use.

4. Reusing Bubble Wrap
When using bubble wrap packaging, think about the next user. Avoid excessive use of packaging tape that’ll prevent the recipient being able to snip the tape and flatten the bubble wrap. Keep bubblewrap away from dust and moisture, so it can be re-used as protective packaging. If it becomes stuck together or torn, or is an odd shape, then simply scrunch it up to provide void fill and provide packaging protection within boxes.

5. Reuse Loosefill Chips
While buying recycled or biodegradable loosefill chips is certainly preferable to buying polystyrene chips, it’s still better to reuse the packaging you have. Store used packaging chips in a plastic bin in a cool dark environment.

6. Reusing Plastic Shopping Bags
Once again, reuse is the best policy. If you run a shop why not accept used carrier bags and reuse them? Major chains shy away from this (they might offer a competitor’s bag), and this is an area where some independent stores take the lead. If you need to buy carrier bags, look for recycled paper carriers and carrier bags made from recycled polythene – these are more sustainable than using virgin polythene packaging.

7. Reusing Corrugated Cardboard
Cardboard packaging such as corrugated paper and cardboard layer pads can be easily reused as packaging protection for other items. For example, layer pads can be saved and reused and corrugated packaging can be cut down to provide layer protection within cardboard boxes.

8. Reusing Waste Paper
Most waste paper can simply be passed through an office or industrial shredder to make handy paper loosefill. Use as packaging within boxes and parcels, to fill voids and provide cushioning.

9. Using Returnable Packaging
When delivering items to a customer, consider replacing disposable packaging material with reusable packaging. Wooden Euro pallets are a good example of how packaging can be standardised and returned to the original supplier. Likewise stackable transit containers and roll cages can reduce the use of boxes and stretch film.

10. Pass On Your Packaging Materials
If you’ve finished with a piece of packaging in good condition, why not consider handing it on to someone who can use it again? For instance, schools are often looking for donated packaging materials, to use for art and drama projects. Meanwhile, if you’ve just moved house, you could advertise your moving boxes in the free ads or make them available for the many people who buy moving boxes online.