There is a big push for businesses to use sustainable packaging to support green initiatives and meet client expectations. When searching for sustainable packaging, the words recyclable and recycled often appear, with these two terms often used interchangeably.
However, these two terms are distinctly different, and knowing which to prioritise can help a business make better packaging choices, as well as adhere to circularity. We’re here to break down recyclable vs recycled, so you can choose the right packaging for your business, optimise your waste cycle and support a circular economy.
What Does Recyclable Mean?
The term recyclable refers to materials and packaging that can be collected and repurposed into something else. Recyclable focuses on the potential end-of-life use of the packaging, with the materials designed to be processed and reused after its use.
So how is recyclable packaging processed? Typically, it involves collection, sorting, selling, remanufacturing and finally re-entry in the market. UK homes and businesses recycle different types of packaging every day, either by using household bins, drop-off centres or through specialised recycling programmes.
Common types of recyclable packaging include paper and cardboard (think Amazon packaging and food cartons), plastic bottles, pots and tubs, glass and metals such as aluminium cans.
While different packaging will be labelled as recyclable, there are several factors that dictate whether the product can actually be recycled in practice. PET and HDPE plastics are more widely accepted compared to PVC and composite plastics. Composite materials often can’t be recycled, and will likely be sent to landfill. This is because the inclusion of things like glue and coatings can affect processing. Additionally, if there is no use for the recycled output from a buyer, the recyclable packaging again may end up wasted instead of remanufactured.
What Does Recycled Mean?
When materials and packaging are labelled as recycled, it means that it has been made from recycled content, i.e. materials that have been diverted from landfill and used to create something new.
Recycled is what the packaging is made from, with the materials having been processed into something new. Rather than going to landfill, recycled materials help reduce the need for natural resources and virgin manufacturing which both have a negative impact on the environment.
Generally, recycled materials will be made from industrial scraps that were diverted from landfill and post-consumer waste that is melted down into plastic pellets and then manufactured into new packaging, such as recycled mailing bags.
There are two further terms that define recycled packaging, and it’s important to understand what they mean to help you identify the different sustainability benefits.
-
Post-consumer (PCR): PCR is recycled material that has been discarded by consumers, with the most common types being the products that are recycled at home, such as plastic bottles, drinks cans and ecommerce packaging. Post-consumer materials are collected, processed and used to create new products. Paper, cardboard and plastic water bottles, for example, are directly diverted from landfills, and is one of the best ways to support a circular economy.
-
Post-industrial (PIR): PIR refers to the manufacturing offcuts and scrap materials created during the production of products before they reach consumers. Also referred to as pre-consumer waste, it is often used by the same company manufacturing the product, with the scrap collected and either sold or used for something else. An example would be this recycled grey mailing bag, which is 100% recycled from low-density polyethylene. While PIR prevents waste, it is often seen as a byproduct of the manufacturing stage, rather than fully supporting a circular economy.
Recyclable vs Recycled: The Key Differences
Recyclable vs recycled both support a circular economy. But they are different.
-
Recyclable means a product can be collected, processed and made into new materials at the end of its life, provided suitable recycling facilities exist.
-
Recycled means a product already contains material that has been recovered from waste and reprocessed into a new product.
These terms are independent. A product can be:
-
Recyclable but contains 0% recycled material.
-
Made from 100% recycled material but not recyclable after use.
-
Both recyclable and made from recycled material, which is generally the most circular outcome.
Common Misconceptions About Sustainable Packaging
Recyclable Doesn't Always Mean Recycled
A product can be designed from a material that is widely recyclable, such as aluminium, steel, glass or certain plastics, while still being made entirely from virgin raw materials. Manufacturers may choose virgin materials because of cost, availability, performance requirements or food safety regulations. This means that a recyclable product may not contain recycled material.
Recycled Doesn't Mean It Can Be Recycled Again
Some materials also degrade each time they’re recycled. For example, many plastics lose quality after repeated recycling, eventually reaching a point where they can no longer be recycled into the same type of product.
Not All Packaging Is Recycled in Practice
Also, a recycled product is not always recyclable. Products made from recycled material can be difficult or impossible to recycle again if they contain multiple bonded materials that can’t be separated, mixed plastics that are incompatible with the recycling process, or products have been contaminated with food, chemicals or hazardous substances.
Why the Difference Matters
Understanding the difference between recyclable vs recycled will help your business optimise a sustainable packaging strategy, as well as help consumers understand your packaging claims and make more responsible choices when buying and discarding.
For businesses, understanding the difference helps support sustainability goals, meet customer expectations and make informed packaging decisions that reflect corporate responsibility.
For consumers, it provides greater confidence in packaging claims, making it easier to choose products that align with their values and dispose of packaging correctly. Together, these informed decisions help to reduce waste and encourage a more circular approach to packaging.
How to Choose More Sustainable Packaging
So, where do you find recycled and recyclable packaging and which do you choose?
For ecommerce businesses, it’s important to look for packaging with recycling content where appropriate, as well as look for packaging that is FSC recycled, or is marked with RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) or GRS (Global Recycled Standard). Our ecommerce packaging at SR Mailing meets these standards, all fit for purpose while minimising environmental impact. Everything from our kraft paper mailing bags and compostable mailing bags to our paper tape and collection of void fills are made from recycled materials and are recyclable at the end of their life.
FAQs
What is the difference between recyclable and recycled?
Recyclable packaging is designed to be collected and processed into new materials after use. Recycled packaging is made using materials that have already been recovered and reprocessed. A product can be recyclable without containing recycled content, and vice versa.
Is recyclable packaging always made from recycled materials?
No. Recyclable packaging can be made from virgin materials, recycled materials or a combination of both. Recyclability depends on the material and how it is designed, not whether it already contains recycled content.
Can recycled packaging be recycled again?
Many recycled materials can be recycled multiple times, including aluminium, steel and glass. However, some materials, particularly certain plastics, gradually lose quality during recycling and may eventually no longer be suitable for further recycling.
Which is better: recyclable or recycled packaging?
Neither is inherently better because they serve different purposes. Recycled packaging reduces demand for new raw materials, while recyclable packaging helps keep materials in circulation. Ideally, packaging should contain recycled content and be fully recyclable after use.
