Posted on

Bamboo Packaging

One of the biggest industries in the world, the makeup and cosmetics economy is estimated to be $716 billion by 2025. Many customers prefer to shop online for products, resulting in the makeup industry being heavily impactful on eCommerce.

Due to the need for long-distance shipments in eCommerce businesses, packaging companies often use plastic for these shipments; the makeup and cosmetics industry relies on eCommerce for many sales, so makeup companies frequently pack 120 units annually.

If businesses continue to use plastic units for shipping, landfill taxes will continue to increase. Research on alternatives to plastic mainly focuses on paper, bamboo, and bioplastics. 

Makeup

Various types of makeup include dry powders, waxy items like lipsticks, and liquids like nail paint. As a result, the cosmetics packaging market is complicated and diverse, with a strong emphasis on compact, mostly plastic and glass containers. These containers produce excessive packaging for a frequently minimum product — just a few milliliters for nail polish, mascara, and other products — often contains very little.

Additionally, the packaging used for individual units is only a tiny portion of the overall packaging waste, including large cardboard boxes and cushioning (foam and polystyrene) that may be utilized for wholesale delivery.

Due to the growth of eCommerce, we now purchase more items online, including different types of cosmetics.

Skincare

Some may argue that switching to bamboo skincare packaging is more accessible than switching to bamboo cosmetics packaging. Many skincare products come in much more uniform containers with cardboard or readily recyclable exterior packaging (for example).

Again, the difficulty is making the most of bamboo rather than using it only as an ornament without creating sustainable packaging. For instance, it’s typical to see “bamboo packaging” refer to plastic jars with bamboo caps.

Consumers have become more savvy about deceptive marketing tactics and when a company genuinely tries to use eco-friendly packaging and other initiatives.

By lowering packing costs, firms have a concrete opportunity to increase profits. 

Bamboo

Bamboo is a perennial blooming plant that is evergreen. According to science, it comprises the most prominent grasses on Earth and belongs to the Poaceae family of grasses’ Bambusoideae subfamily.

Three taxonomic types of bamboo:

  • Arundinarieae (Temperate Woody Bamboos)
  • Bambuseae (Tropical woody bamboo)
  • Olyreae (Herbaceous bamboo species)

The sheath, which naturally sheds as a plant age and becomes a mature plant, is typically used to create disposable bamboo packaging. The sheaths are gathered, boiled, laminated, and then formed into the proper shape by pressing them into molds.

Benefits to Bamboo

Powerful and Flexible material

Bamboo is resistant to tension or “pulling” forces because it has impressive tensile strength—even higher than steel.

Due to its flexibility, it can be shaped into various shapes that are protective of the things contained within and gentle to them.

Additionally to other sectors, this is advantageous for bamboo cosmetics packaging.

Due to bamboo packaging materials’ vast recyclability, consumer electronics company Dell has used bamboo packaging to protect sensitive components during delivery, including the “chasing arrows” recycling emblem.

Biodegradable

There are several definitions of biodegradability, but generally speaking, biodegradable packaging materials must decompose swiftly in landfills or the open environment with no toxic leftovers.

There are several environmental advantages of bamboo. It establishes an intricate root system that aids in organically cleaning the water table, resulting in purer water sources downstream from the bamboo plantation.

Additionally, it uses less water during processing. All other water lost during manufacturing may be captured and utilized again, and since the processed bamboo can be air-dried in warm weather, little to no energy is required. The only water lost during production is due to evaporation.

Additionally, bamboo can trap carbon. Although estimates vary wildly, common data indicates that a single bamboo plant may store about 2 tonnes of carbon annually. At the same time, some sources claim that a hectare (metric unit) can sequester up to 17 tonnes.

Is Bamboo Efficient?

Bamboo production is quite efficient in comparison to other materials. Bamboo grows new leaves on its severed stems, which supply extra energy via the root system to accelerate the growth of new shoots.

With a carbon capture capability ten times that of trees, it’s difficult to argue against growing more bamboo, whether as a packaging material or a carbon sink.

Finally, bamboo is high in silicate acid, so it isn’t easy to burn. This is excellent news for commercial bamboo plantations, especially given climate change, rising global temperatures, and the increased risk of wildfires.

Are you thinking of recycling commercial waste in a sustainable way in your company? Give us a call. We look forward to helping the environment and your company.

Posted on

Benefits to Recycling

Various everyday materials such as paper, glass, and plastic are recycled. Useful for many situations, these materials have many uses; however, paper is one of the most valuable and sustainable common materials.

Read below to find the plethora of benefits of regularly recycling paper. 

How Does It Happen?

Before shredding occurs, workers at the paper mill sort the paper into categories, including glossy, printer, newspaper, and many other types of paper.

Process of Recycling

The shredding of the paper includes injecting many chemicals and water into the paper. The paper must also be inspected and checked for any non-paper materials in the mush; this inspection occurs before and after the paper is turned into mush. 

With this inspection, a process known as de-inking occurs; this process aims to remove the printing ink and glues. To further clean papers that need it, some papers enter a floatation process in which the ink attaches itself to small particles and floats to the surface of the floatation device, hence the name.

Similar to the floatation process, some paper must be bleached to reach the desired color. 

The final step in the recycling process of paper is the stretching and drying of the paper; after this step, the recycled paper is sent off to many companies so that businesses can use it for their respective purposes.

Benefits to Recycling

Recycling saves valuables such as trees, water, oil, and energy. It also reduces CO2 emissions, preventing dangerous greenhouse gases from entering our atmosphere. Paper can be recycled multiple times, proving its incredible usability. Along with the many environmental benefits of recycling paper, there are many economic benefits. Recycling reduces the taxes and fines that governments enable due to immense waste. 

Materials That Use Recycled Resources 

  • Cardboard
  • Printer paper
  • Water bottles
  • Utensils and many more

Are you thinking of recycling commercial waste in a sustainable way in your company? Give us a call. We look forward to helping the environment and your company.

Posted on

Small Business Recycling

Commercial recycling is an important practice that helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint, save money on waste disposal, and contribute to a more sustainable future. For small businesses, adopting recycling practices can be a challenge due to limited resources, lack of knowledge about the recycling process, and inadequate space to store recyclable materials. However, with some simple steps, small businesses can start a successful recycling program that benefits both their bottom line and the environment.

The first step in establishing a recycling program is to assess the types of materials that the business generates and determine what can be recycled. Common recyclable materials include paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals. Once the types of materials have been identified, the business can work with a local recycling company to set up a recycling program. Many recycling companies provide a free estimate for recycled materials and offer pickup services, making it easy for businesses to dispose of their recyclables.

To encourage employees to participate in the recycling program, it is important to provide education and training on recycling practices. This can include providing information on what can and cannot be recycled, labeling recycling bins to make it clear what materials go where, and establishing guidelines for recycling in the workplace. By involving employees in the recycling process, businesses can increase the success of their recycling program and create a culture of sustainability in the workplace.

Another important aspect of commercial recycling is waste reduction. Businesses can reduce waste by implementing practices such as reducing paper usage, encouraging the use of reusable containers, and composting organic waste. These practices not only reduce the amount of waste generated by the business, but they can also save money on waste disposal fees. In addition to reducing waste, businesses can also consider purchasing products made from recycled materials. By supporting the use of recycled materials, businesses can help create a market for recycled goods, further supporting the recycling industry.

Finally, businesses should monitor and evaluate their recycling program on an ongoing basis to ensure that it is meeting their needs and achieving their goals. This can include tracking the amount of materials recycled, assessing the cost savings from reduced waste disposal fees, and soliciting feedback from employees and customers.

Commercial recycling is an important practice for small businesses that want to reduce their environmental impact, save money on waste disposal, and contribute to a more sustainable future. By assessing the types of materials generated, establishing a recycling program, educating employees, reducing waste, purchasing products made from recycled materials, and monitoring progress, businesses can successfully implement a recycling program that benefits both their business and the environment.

OVP Recycling is a South Florida-based commercial recycling company that provides recycling services for plastic, paper, aluminum, pallets, and other recyclable materials. Not only will small businesses save money from commercial recycling, they can also generate additional revenues by selling the recycled material to OVP Recycling.

If you are thinking about recycling your commercial waste or starting a recycling and sustainability program in your company, give us a call. We look forward to helping you protect the environment.

Posted on

Florida Recyclng Trends 2023

As we enter the year 2023, businesses in Florida are continuing to make strides in adopting sustainable practices, including recycling. Recycling is the process of collecting, processing, and reusing materials that would otherwise be thrown away. This process has numerous benefits for both the environment and businesses themselves.

One major benefit of recycling for businesses is cost savings. By recycling materials such as paper, plastic, and aluminum, businesses can reduce the amount of waste they produce, which in turn reduces the amount of money spent on waste disposal. Recycling can also generate revenue for businesses through the sale of recyclable materials. Many recycling facilities offer payment for materials such as cardboard, metal, and plastic, providing an additional source of income for businesses.

Another benefit of recycling is improved environmental sustainability. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, which can have negative environmental impacts such as leaching of toxic chemicals into groundwater and production of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas. Recycling also conserves natural resources, such as trees and oil, by reusing materials instead of extracting new ones.

In Florida, businesses have been taking steps to improve their recycling efforts. One trend that has emerged in recent years is the implementation of composting programs. Composting involves the decomposition of organic materials such as food waste and yard trimmings into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also provides a sustainable source of fertilizer for gardens and agricultural fields.

Another trend in Florida is the use of recycled materials in product design. Many businesses are now incorporating recycled materials, such as plastic and glass, into their products. This not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also creates a market for recycled materials, encouraging more recycling efforts.

In addition to these trends, many businesses in Florida are also implementing waste reduction programs to complement their recycling efforts. Waste reduction involves reducing the amount of waste produced in the first place, such as through the use of reusable containers and products or by implementing more efficient production processes.

Overall, the benefits of recycling and sustainability for businesses in Florida are clear. By reducing waste and conserving natural resources, businesses can save money, improve their environmental sustainability, and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. As we continue to move forward into the future, it is important for businesses to prioritize sustainability and embrace practices such as recycling to ensure a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Start or improve your recycling program today. Contact OVP Recycling to get a free quote to meet your commercial recycling needs.

Posted on

How to Stay Ahead of the 2023 Commercial Recycling Trends

As a business owner, staying ahead of the trends can be tricky. However, keeping up with commercial recycling trends is one of the most important steps you can take for your business in 2023. With new regulations popping up every day and more people becoming environmentally conscious, it’s important to ensure that your company is doing its part. Let’s explore some of the top trends in commercial recycling for this year.

Technology-Based Solutions

One trend that has been gaining steam in recent years is technology-based solutions for commercial recycling and waste management. This includes everything from automated bin systems to computer programs designed specifically to track and monitor landfill waste. Automated systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease-of-use and efficiency. For example, a business can install an automated system that will sort recyclables into separate bins based on type. This eliminates the need for staff members to manually sort through materials and makes it easier to keep track of exactly how much waste is being recycled or diverted from landfills each month.

Zero Waste Goals

Another trend that’s become increasingly popular over the past few years is setting zero waste goals for businesses. Zero waste goals are exactly what they sound like — a goal for businesses to reduce their overall waste output by diverting all possible materials from landfills or incinerators into reusable or recyclable streams. To meet these goals, businesses must have effective strategies in place, such as reuse programs, composting initiatives, comprehensive recycling plans, and more. Setting a zero waste goal may seem daunting at first, but it’s important to remember that any progress made towards reducing your business’s environmental impact should be celebrated!

Alternative Materials

The final trend we’re seeing when it comes to commercial recycling is the use of alternative materials instead of traditional plastics or metals. Many companies are now turning away from using conventional materials to reduce their environmental footprint and create more sustainable products and packaging options. Some examples of alternative materials include bamboo, hemp, cork, paperboard, bioplastics, and more – all of which are great options if you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing quality or aesthetic appeal!

Commercial recycling is an incredibly important topic for businesses and consumers in 2023. From technology-based solutions to zero waste goals and alternative materials, there are plenty of ways to ensure your company is staying ahead of the curve in environmental responsibility! By now researching which strategies would work best for you, you’ll be prepared not only now but also well into the future as regulations continue changing and evolving with ever-increasing speed!

You can start or continue your journey by contacting OVP Recycling to get a quote for your recycled material and get tips on how to improve your sustainability initiatives.

Posted on

Paper Recycling -Benefits

Paper is a versatile material that can be reused and recycled over and over again.  Paper products such as toilet paper, greeting cards, wallpaper, and more are often packaged in recycled paper. You might be surprised to learn how many things can be made from paper waste.

Find out why it’s good for the planet and the economy to recycle paper and learn how you can help the cause.

In what ways does paper recycling take place?

Recycling the paper and cardboard that people throw away from their homes and businesses is an intricate and interesting process.

The First Step: Sorting

The first thing that happens to your used paper at the paper mill is sorting.  Glossy paper, regular printer paper, newspaper, etc., are all distinct types of paper, and each has its own category and subcategory. Recycling papers is more effective if you sort them by type.

Step two: shredding and pulping

Paper is shredded and turned into pulp only after it has been cleaned of any unwanted materials.  In order to separate the paper fibers, the paper is first shredded into small pieces, and then water and other chemicals are added.  The end product is a pulp that can be used to create new paper goods. Pulp goes through a brief cleaning process to get rid of any contaminants like paper clips and staples before moving on to the next step.

Step Three: De-inking

To “de-ink” the pulp, you must wash it to remove all traces of ink, glue, and other chemicals.  Floatation is a more thorough cleaning process that may be necessary for some larger and stickier particles that are harder to clean. The pulp is then sent to a floatation vat, where air and surfactants are added. The ink and other debris cling to the airborne particles, rise to the surface, and are removed.

Fourthly, bleaching

The pulp undergoes either a bleaching or dying process to give the finished paper its desired hue. Hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, or chlorine dioxide can be added to create a white paper. When cardboard is being made, however, the pulp isn’t whitened.

Step Five: Drying and rolling out

Drying and rolling are the final steps in the paper recycling process.

To remove excess moisture, the pulp is fed between massive rollers before being run over hot rollers and wound into a massive roll. Manufacturers all over the world receive these rolls, which can measure up to 30 feet in width and weigh up to 20 tons, to incorporate into their recycled paper goods.

Recycling paper is good for the environment.

Material intended for recycling, such as paper and cardboard. Collections of cardboard boxes for reuse.

The practice of recycling paper at home or at the office has many positive effects on the environment. When you consider that each UK household wastes the equivalent of six trees’ worth of paper each year, you can see why proper recycling of such items is so important for protecting our finite natural resources.

Most paper and cardboard can be recycled, and reused paper reduces landfill trash and atmospheric pollution. Recycling paper can cut CO2 emissions by about 20% compared to burning it. Paper recycling has the major benefit of requiring much less energy than producing new paper goods. About 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 380 gallons of oil, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, and 4,000 kilowatt-hours of energy are saved for every tonne of recycled paper. In addition, paper can be recycled multiple times, sometimes as many as seven, allowing us to preserve the world’s limited natural resources.

Paper recycling is a good investment.

Recycling paper has many financial benefits in addition to environmental ones like lowering carbon dioxide emissions, cutting down on water and energy use, and decreasing the need for landfills.

Paper recycling is a growing industry that needs people with the skills to sort and separate paper waste.

By reusing paper, businesses can easily meet their paper needs without increasing their environmental impact. A company’s green credentials help it avoid or pay less in environmental fines or taxes, while also improving its standing in the eyes of potential buyers.

Innovations in both technology and production have come about in part because of the paper recycling industry, and this trend will only increase. As scientists and engineers collaborate to advance the field, this growth also generates new employment opportunities.

Some products are made with a combination of virgin fibers and recycled paper to make it stronger. Most businesses prefer to use wood from FSC-certified forests because it helps sustain local economies and creates jobs for people in need.

One last thing: paper recycling is a part of the circular economy, which aims to extend the life of resources through repeated use. Switching to a circular economy could reduce waste, boost innovation, and create jobs, creating an economic opportunity worth $4.5 trillion.

What kinds of items contain recycled paper?

Green background with paper cutlery enclosed in a white cotton net bag.

Switching to recycled paper at home, the office, or the classroom is a simple process. These products are a great way to help the paper recycling industry while also taking advantage of the many perks of using recycled paper.

Cardboard

Wrapping paper color brown

Photocopying and printing paper

Tissue products such as toilet paper, paper towels, and hand towels

Pussycats’ Litter

Totes of H2O

Furniture

Products for Construction

Tongs, spoons, and chopsticks

Articles of clothing and handbags

lamps, sculptures, and vases are all examples of home decor.

Among the more out-of-the-ordinary paper goods are:

Posted on

The Benefits of Implementing a Commercial Recycling Program

Did you know that almost 60% of what Americans discard could be recycled? That’s a lot of potential waste that businesses can reduce by implementing a commercial recycling program.
There are many benefits to implementing a recycling program for your business, including reducing your environmental impact, saving money on waste disposal costs, and helping to create a more sustainable workplace. Read on to learn more about the benefits of commercial recycling and how to get started.

Recycling the waste produced by your business is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money. By working with a professional recycling company like OVP Recycling, you can get rid of your commercial waste in an environmentally responsible way and reduce your trash bill at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Call us today for a free quote and see how much money and resources your business can save by recycling its waste! There are many recyclable materials, so be sure to contact us to find out what type of waste your business produces. We can provide you with a quote for our recycling services and help you get started on reducing your carbon footprint today.

Posted on

Recycle Composite and Biodegradable Packaging

Many companies have devoted considerable time, effort, money, and resources to developing packaging that will degrade naturally in the environment without harming wildlife. As a result, biodegradable and compostable packaging has risen to the status of a specialty item.

To put it another way, it allows the packaging to serve a secondary function. Although many people are already aware that compostable and biodegradable packaging is available for perishable goods, clothing and retail brands are also increasingly utilizing compostable packaging in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

OVP Recycling specializes in commercial recycling of all types of material. Continue your sustainability efforts. Contact OVP recycling and request a free quote for your recycling material.

Posted on

Mono-Material Packaging

Many people are surprised when they hear about the hidden materials inside a lot of packaging, such as laminated and composite packaging, which make the packaging non-recyclable. When more than one material is integrated into packaging, it makes it difficult to separate, and then it renders the packaging unrecyclable, so this packaging ends up in the landfill. Companies are solving this problem by using mono-material packaging, which ensures that the material is completely recyclable. Mono-material packaging is a package that contains only one type of material, making it easier to recycle than traditional packaging that is multi-layered. The trend toward mono-material packaging is picking up speed, and in 2020, packaging closed with mono-material was 21.51 million tons at a value of $58.9 billion dollars. 

The benefits of mono-material packaging

  • Recycling mono-materials is simple and straightforward compared to recycling multi-layer packaging, which is challenging because of the need to separate the different film layers.
  •  Mono-material packaging is environmentally friendly.
  •  It is easier and requires less energy to manufacture, and that improves the efficiency of the production process.
  •  Recycling of mono-materials contributes to the circular global economy and reduces damaging waste and excessive resource usage.
  •  Packaging collected as waste material goes into a waste management process, and it can then be repurposed.

If you are a manufacturer or the company using packaging material, ask about more than material from your suppliers and ensure that you are implementing sustainable practices within your organization. If you are already using mono-material and need recycling support, contact OVP Recycling for a free quote and learn about our services. 

Posted on

Plastics Recycling Trends 2022

In recent years, eco-friendly and sustainability have become popular phrases used in many corporations to tout their environmental awareness and woo consumers through marketing campaigns and brands. Several of these corporations are not necessarily practicing what they preach. They slip the right words in but do not follow up with action. By embracing these buzzwords, the companies attract environmentally sensitive consumers while making themselves appear socially responsible. But to be truly serious, businesses must begin practicing sound recycling practices to back up their campaign claims.

For the companies that attempt to protect the environment, they face a unique challenge in their packaging. Historically, plastic has been used as the go-to packaging material to protect our food and keep it fresh. There are alternatives to plastics, such as paper, glass, aluminum, and steel, but various studies confirm that plastic is more efficient because it is stronger and lightweight. All of this means plastic is better than the alternatives at shipping more products at a lower weight when it comes to shipping products.  In addition, since packaging with plastics uses less material, it also uses less energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and waste. In addition, food waste accounts for a substantial amount of methane emissions which is 21 times more potent than C02. Using plastic packing reduces this emission by keeping food longer, thus preventing food waste and methane emissions. 

With the growth of eCommerce and people purchasing more and more products online, plastic packaging will stay around for a long time; therefore, preserving our food and protecting our environment must work hand in hand. The solution is to improve our recycling activities.

So, if you are a manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, or even administration service business and have not yet started recycling, it is time. Take this first step to contributing to a clean environment, reducing pollution, and protecting this planet we call earth. If you have already adopted recycling strategies, great; keep it going.

We want to earn your business at OVP Recycling. If you are looking for a reputable, easy to deal with commercial recycling company, call now to Get a Free Estimate for your recycled material.