We make every effort to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and this is reflected in our business activity:

  • Where possible we buy from factories that have ISO 14001: 2004. Certificate for Enviro Management.
  • All our imports from overseas are by sea freight, never by air freight.
  • We use DPD Local couriers who operate a ‘Total Zero’ principle, so every delivery is carbon neutral.
  • We switch off lights, computer equipment and printers whenever possible and always at night.
  • Our warehouse lights are switched off in non-active areas and areas of natural light.
  • In winter we reduce heating emissions by turning the thermostat down and wearing warmer clothing.
  • We recycle all recyclable food packaging and drinks cartons consumed on site.
  • We recycle our warehouse corrugated board, as well as office paper and card.
  • We keep document printing to a minimum.

What is the most important aspect to think about when choosing environmentally friendly packaging?

Here are our top 8 things to think about when choosing environmentally friendly packaging:

What is the most environmentally friendly carrier bag?

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly carrier bag then you may wish to consider a paper bag, all our paper products are from a renewable source are biodegradable. Another option is our 100% recycled polythene bags, made in the UK from 100% recycled post-consumer waste. If you are looking for a bag that can be used time and time again then our cotton and jute bags are for you, these bags are compostable and biodegradable (except plastic linings). If you require a plastic bag then a number of our polythene bags have a degradable mixture this means they are easily recyclable and are low in energy production.

What is the most environmentally friendly gift box?

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly gift box then our luxury and rigid gift boxes are the choice for you. These boxes are made from 100% recycled board and covered in sustainably sourced paper, they can easily be reused and recycled too. If you want a more compact box then our matchbox style gift boxes are your best solution, these boxes are made from 100% recycled material and can easily be reused and recycled (remember to dispose of the foam insert).

What is the most environmentally friendly packaging for sending items in the post?

If you require a box for mailing out items then our UK produced despatch boxes are sturdy so they can easily be reused. Because these boxes are made from corrugated card they can easily be recycled too. If a mailing bag better fits your needs then take a look at our recycled mailing bags or degradable mailing bags.

The information below lists environmental advantages of the main materials used by APL Packaging

  • Material
  • Environmental Advantages
  • “Standard” polythene

“Standard” polythene

  • Low energy production and low energy in distribution.
  • Does not degrade: no toxicity in landfill.
  • Does not emit methane in degradation.
  • Easily recycled once sorted (low melt thermoplastic).
  • High calorific value and non toxic combustion in energy reclaim.
  • Long life for low material and energy input.
  • Low bulk: insignificant mass in landfill (0.3%).

“Standard” polythene with a degradable additive

  • As above, although it can hinder recycling, plus: Reduced littering.

100% recycled polythene

  • Reduced CO2 emissions.
  • Reduced sea miles (produced in the UK).
  • Answers raw material sustainability issues.

Paper: all APL paper products

  • Renewable resource.
  • Widespread good practice in forestry stewardship.
  • Widespread kerbside collection for recycling.
  • Biodegrades / composts.

Cotton & Jute

  • Compostable/biodegradable(except the plastic liner).
  • Very long life.

Where can I find more information about packaging and the environment?

Useful sites to visit for information regarding packaging and the environment include:

  • Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment
  • Carrier Bag Consortium
  • Packaging Federation
  • VALPAK
  • The European Organization for Packaging and the Environment

There are a number of industry bodies you can contact too: Waste Watch, The Waste & Resources Action Programme, Recycle Plastic, Recycle-More and UK Government Environment Agency.

If you have a particular interest in plastics then visit British Plastics Federation or if you would like information on paper then go to Confederation of Paper Industries, Forest Stewardship Council or Tree Council.

Where can I find information on waste management and recycling?

For information on waste management visit Environment Services Association. For details on how to learn more about waste management visit the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.

Which environmental charities can help me with information on packaging recycling?

There are many environmental charities, three key organisations who may be able to offer further information include: Friends of the Earth, WWF and Greenpeace.