Recyclable Packaging vs. Recycled Content: What's the Difference?
As the demand for sustainable packaging grows, so does the confusion around certain industry terms. Two of the most commonly mixed-up phrases are recyclable packaging and packaging with recycled content. While they sound similar, they mean very different things and understanding that difference is crucial for brands aiming to make environmentally responsible choices and claims.
If your business is looking to reduce its environmental impact through packaging, knowing the difference between these two terms can help you make informed decisions that align with sustainability goals and compliance requirements.
Let’s break it down.
What is Recyclable Packaging?
Recyclable packaging refers to materials that can be collected, processed, and transformed into new products after they’ve been used. This is the type of packaging designed to go back into the production cycle instead of ending up in landfill. Some common examples include:
Cardboard boxes – Widely recycled and often turned into new paper products.
Glass bottles – Can be melted down and reused endlessly without losing quality. Certain plastics – PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) plastics are commonly recyclable. Aluminium cans – One of the most efficiently recycled materials with high reuse potential.
However, just because something is recyclable doesn’t mean it will actually be recycled. For this to happen, two key factors must be met:
1. Proper disposal: Consumers need to place the packaging in the correct recycling bin, and councils must have the right infrastructure to process it.
2. Contamination-free materials: If recyclables are mixed with food residue, non-recyclable materials, or other contaminants, they may be sent to landfill instead of being processed. The contamination rates in Australia are as high as 50% in some regions.
The Reality Check
Unfortunately, many recyclable materials don’t make it through the recycling system due to contamination, lack of collection facilities, or infrastruture factors. That’s why businesses must not only design recyclable packaging but also educate consumers on proper disposal methods thorough recycling labels such as the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL).
What is packaging with Recycled Content?
Packaging with recycled content is made from materials that have already gone through the recycling process. Instead of using virgin resources, manufacturers use post-consumer recycled (PCR) or post-industrial recycled (PIR) waste to create new packaging.
For example:
A plastic bottle labelled “made from 30% recycled materials” means that 30% of the plastic in the bottle came from previously recycled plastic. Recycled paperboard boxes use fibres from old paper products to create new packaging. Aluminium cans made with recycled content significantly reduce energy consumption compared to those made from raw aluminium that has to be extracted from earth.
Using recycled content helps reduce the demand for virgin materials, conserve natural resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, the new packaging regulations in Europe (PPWR), UK and Australia have minimum trashholds of recycled content in packaging materials. In the UK for instance, if plastic packaging hasn't a minimum of 30% of recycled content the company is subject to pay a plastic tax on top of the other packaging fees.
Can Recycled Content Packaging Also Be Recyclable?
Yes! This is actually the ideal scenario—the best of both worlds. Packaging that contains recycled content and is also recyclable ensures that materials continue to circulate in the system rather than being discarded.
For example, a cardboard box made from 50% recycled paper that can still be recycled into new paper products supports a circular economy. Similarly, an aluminium can can be made from a high percentage of recycled content and is fully recyclable again means less need for mining raw materials.
One famous example of using recycled content in a product and it can't be recycled is t-shirt made out of PET bottles. At first it's sounds like an amazing idea, but the t-shirt is mostly a made with polyester and the recycled PET fibres which makes it not recyclable due to the mix of two different materials in one product.
This is why businesses should prioritise not just recycled content but also recyclability when choosing their packaging materials.
Why Brands Should Aim for Both
The most sustainable option? Packaging that is both recyclable and made from recycled content. Why?
Reduces waste – Packaging with recycled content keeps materials in circulation longer.
Conserves resources – Less reliance on virgin materials means lower environmental impact.
Meets regulatory requirements – The EU, UK and Australia are introducing packaging laws that mandate minimum recycled content in packaging. Encourages a circular economy – Designing packaging that remains in the loop supports long-term sustainability goals.
How Businesses Can Improve Their Sustainable Packaging Strategy
If you’re a product based business looking to make your packaging more sustainable, here’s how you can start:
1. Choose Recycled Content Packaging
Whenever possible, opt for packaging that includes post-consumer recycled content. Look for third-party certifications like FSC (for paper and cardboard) or the Recycled Content Certification for plastics and metals.
2. Design for Recycling
Ensure your packaging is actually recyclable in most regions by using widely accepted materials and avoiding non-recyclable components like mixed-material laminates or excessive coatings.
3. Educate Consumers
The best packaging design won’t matter if customers don’t know how to recycle it properly. Use clear recycling symbols and instructions on packaging to encourage responsible disposal.
4. Stay Ahead of Regulations
Sustainability laws are evolving, and failing to meet new standards can mean fines, product recalls, or negative brand perception. Stay informed on UK's, Europe’s and Australia’s recycled content mandates to ensure compliance.
5. Use Consistent Materials
Using the same material throughout your packaging can make recycling much easier. When packaging is made from a combination of materials—such as plastic film on a cardboard box—it can create confusion and reduce the likelihood of proper recycling. Instead, opt for single-material (also called monomaterial) packaging solutions where possible to ensure a straightforward recycling process and higher recovery rates.
Final Thoughts
The shift towards sustainable packaging isn’t just about choosing recyclable materials, it’s about designing packaging that stays in the loop, reducing the need for virgin resources, and supporting a circular economy.
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