The event is organised by the Global Recycling Foundation and takes place today (18 March). It urges governments and business leaders to make concrete changes to make better use of recyclables, or the “seventh resource”, as part of a circular economy.
Printing industry firms have made great strides in terms of recycling of waste in recent years, with many businesses using their environmental credentials as a key selling point.
Paper advocacy organisation Two Sides also does much to highlight the sustainability of paper and paper-based packaging through its range of fact sheets.
Waste management specialist J&G Environmental said recycling systems were “a critical component of any print business if they are to remain an attractive proposition to potential customers”.
General manager John Haines said that although the past year had been difficult for many printing companies, printers had remained committed to their environmental goals.
“Recycling is now a critical part of any print business; if you cannot demonstrate to your customers that you are not committed to recycling and other green initiatives, then there is a good chance they will go somewhere that is more conscious about the planet,” he said.
Packaging, paper and recycling giant DS Smith tweeted out a quiz about recycling with a series of questions and fun facts aimed at busting recycling myths.
Did you know today is #GlobalRecyclingDay? We will be marking the occasion by breaking down some of the biggest myths surrounding #recycling and putting your knowledge to the test. Kicking off with an easy one:
— DS Smith (@dssmithgroup) March 18, 2021
Materials can only be recycled once:
Paper makers and merchants including Stora Enso, UPM, James Cropper, and Denmaur Paper Media also highlighted the benefits of circularity and the bioeconomy, as did envelope specialist Blake Envelopes.
Numerous industry firms, including Reflex Group, CFH Docmail, AB Print Group, Ashley House Ink, The Wilkins Group, Alexir Partnership, Sinclairs, Encore Group and Large Print Works took to social media to emphasise the print and packaging industry’s achievements around recycling and re-use.
