Is a Cardboard Display Recyclable?

Published on: 09/07/2023

Can Cardboard Always Be Recycled?

Cardboard is made from paper fibers, which can be reused multiple times to create new paper or cardboard. The Netherlands is a frontrunner in paper and cardboard recycling, with over three-quarters of all used paper and cardboard being separately collected. This is great news, as recycling has many environmental benefits. It reduces waste, conserves raw materials, saves energy and water, and lowers CO₂ emissions.

But can cardboard always be recycled? The answer is no. Not all types of cardboard are suitable for recycling. Some cardboard packaging has a plastic or aluminum coating to protect the contents, such as milk, juice, soup, or sauce cartons. These should not be disposed of with regular paper waste but with plastic waste (PMD) or general waste, depending on your local regulations. Similarly, heavily laminated paper and cardboard, such as some glossy magazines or book covers, cannot be recycled and should go in the general waste bin.

Additionally, it is essential that cardboard is clean and dry. Used tissues, baking paper, or greasy pizza boxes are not suitable for recycling. However, a display made from certified cardboard and not treated with plastic-containing substances is recyclable and can be disposed of in the paper recycling bin.

Are Cardboard Displays Truly Made Entirely of Cardboard?

If you are considering using a cardboard display for your webshop, you probably want to know whether it is made entirely of cardboard. If you choose a display from Holbox, the answer is, in most cases, “yes.” However, this depends on the type of display you select. There are different kinds of cardboard displays, such as counter displays, floor displays, brochure holders, or pallet displays. All our displays are made of 100% cardboard and are therefore fully recyclable.

How Many Times Can Cardboard Be Recycled?

Cardboard can be effectively recycled into new paper or cardboard, but how many times can this process be repeated? The answer is: up to 10 times. Paper can be recycled up to 7 times. Each time paper is recycled, the structure of the wood fibers changes. The fibers become shorter and weaker. Therefore, during the recycling cycle, paper is transformed into various end products. For example, used paper may first be turned into writing paper, then into newspaper, then into cardboard, and finally into toilet paper.

To maintain the quality of recycled paper and cardboard, fresh wood fibers are sometimes added. These fibers come from sustainably managed forests, where a new tree is planted for each one that is cut down. This ensures a closed-loop system for paper and cardboard.

So, Is a Cardboard Display Recyclable?

Yes, cardboard displays are recyclable, but you must ensure that any plastic or metal parts are removed before disposing of them in the paper recycling bin. Cardboard is a recyclable material that can be reused multiple times to create new paper or cardboard. This offers many environmental benefits, such as reducing waste, conserving raw materials, saving energy and water, and lowering CO₂ emissions.

Would you like to learn more about the different types of cardboard displays you can use to promote your product or service? Visit our webshop or contact our team. You’ll find a wide range of displays that you can personalize and easily order.

Holbox Shop Direct is an expert in cardboard displays, with over 40 years of experience in the industry. You can rely on fast delivery, high quality, and excellent service.