Explore the environmental impact of UK's Black Friday to Cyber Monday shipments: 250 million packages, recycling rates, and sustainable packaging solutions by Sourceful.
Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the UK anticipates shipping up to 250 million packages resulting from online purchases. If the entirety of this cardboard were flattened and stacked, it would reach a height three times that of The Shard. The sheer quantity of mailer bags used could fill 99 Olympic-sized swimming pools, and the expected usage of parcel tape could wrap around the equator twice.
Encouragingly, Sourceful estimates that approximately 74% of the cardboard employed during this Black Friday, equivalent to about 4,809 tonnes, is projected to be recycled. Regrettably, the remaining 26%, totaling 1,684 tonnes, will likely end up in landfills or be subjected to incineration. While most cardboard packaging is recyclable, optimizing design could minimize material consumption and contribute to higher recycling rates.
Wing Chan, co-founder of Sourceful, emphasizes their commitment to assisting businesses in making sustainable packaging choices. Their technology provides tools for businesses to comprehend the environmental impact of each packaging item, presenting alternative options on their website.
Chan underscores the potential for enhanced recycling rates through improved material choices and intelligent design.
As consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging rises, with 79% actively seeking products in sustainable packaging, retailers and e-commerce brands are adapting. Sourceful's packaging assortment boasts over 91% recyclable materials, incorporating paper-based tapes and recyclable LDPE mailer bags, aligning with the growing trend toward more environmentally conscious choices.
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