PACKAGING GUIDES
DISPOSAL & END OF LIFE
What happens after the packaging has done its job?
Recycling, composting and disposal can get confusing quickly. This guide explains the practical end-of-life options behind different packaging materials — and why checking the instructions matters.
THE SHORT VERSION
DISPOSAL DEPENDS ON THE MATERIAL.
There isn't one disposal route for every type of packaging. Materials, coatings, adhesives and local collection systems can all affect what should happen next.
ROUTE ONE
RECYCLING
Paper-based packaging can often enter established recycling streams, but the exact construction of the packaging still matters.
Coatings, linings, contamination and other components can affect whether an item is accepted, so the disposal guidance for the individual product should always come first.
ROUTE TWO
COMPOSTING
Compostable packaging needs the right conditions to break down as intended.
Some materials are designed for industrial composting rather than a home compost heap, so look for the specific certification and disposal instructions rather than relying on the word compostable alone.
BEFORE IT GOES
REUSE IT WHEN IT MAKES SENSE.
End of life doesn't necessarily have to begin the moment a parcel is opened.
If packaging is still clean, intact and useful, reusing it can extend its life before it eventually enters the appropriate waste stream.
THE IMPORTANT BIT
DON'T GUESS. CHECK THE PACKAGING.
Words such as recyclable, biodegradable and compostable aren't interchangeable.
The most useful information is the disposal guidance for the specific material and product in your hands.
PACKAGING WITH A PLAN
KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
See how different materials work in practice, with examples from across the Simplelifeco range.
KEEP READING
MORE PACKAGING KNOW-HOW.
Explore the rest of the Packaging Guides for practical help with materials, sizing, packing and choosing the right packaging for the job.
CHOOSING YOUR PACKAGING
MATERIALS, EXPLAINED
SIZING & PACKING
DISPOSAL & END OF LIFE
BACK TO PACKAGING GUIDES
GOOD PACKAGING THINKS BEYOND THE PARCEL.
Choosing the packaging is only half the story. Understanding what happens when it's no longer needed helps you make a more informed choice from the beginning.