When it comes to reducing waste for the long-term health of the planet, it's important to understand the difference between recyclables and recyclables.

Over the past year, reports about waste have been making headlines around the world, giving an insight into how much waste developed countries are producing. As a result, more and more of us are looking for ways to curb our impact on the environment, including how to reduce our contribution to landfills.

For years, many of us have looked to recycling as an approach. From time to time, consumers ask what happens after recycling, the difference between recyclable products and those that contain recycled ingredients, such as the ones we produce.

The difference between recyclable and recyclable products

When it comes to reducing waste for the long-term health of the planet, it's important to understand the difference between recyclables and recyclables. "Recyclability" means that products labeled as recyclable can go into recycling bins instead of landfills. Basically, these products, once collected and sorted at a material recovery facility (MRF), have the potential to be reprocessed into something new.

On the other hand, "recycled content" means that the product already contains the content of previously used materials. In other words, recycled materials mean that the new product you're using - say, a paper cup - is made at least in part from materials that have already been recycled.

Our recycling plant processes 2.2 million pounds of paper per day, sorts it and processes it into more than 230,000 tons of recycled fiber per year. These recycled fibers are then used by paper mills to make paper cups, packaging and containers, and paper and board for food-grade packaging.

The term "recycled content" refers to the percentage of recycled fiber contained in the finished cup, packaging or cardboard product. For example, paper packaging can include a mixture of recycled materials, such as 10% recycled and 90% virgin fiber, 50% recycled and virgin fiber, or 100% recycled materials.

For example, the current industry standard for "recyclable content" in cups is 10-24% recyclable fiber content, and more recently, the recyclable fiber content of paper cup cardboard has been as high as 32%. Some other finished products, including printing paper, can be made with 100% recycled fiber content.

Sustana's fiber products are made from 100% recycled recycled materials. For example, our EnviroLife™ fiber is 100% recyclable and meets FDA food grade packaging standards. This means that manufacturers can use this fiber, along with non-recyclable fiber, to make cardboard for use in cups, takeout containers, popcorn tubs, and other food-grade packaging.

More recycled materials, more sustainability

The higher the proportion of recycled material, the better for the environment. A life cycle assessment report we published found that our products have a much lower environmental impact than raw (non-recycled) fibers available on the North American market.

For example, paper that decomposes in landfills produces methane, which increases greenhouse gas emissions. Reusing it in new products can help control the environmental impact, as it means fewer paper products are collected in landfills.

Cycle the power of ball travel

For recyclability and recyclable content to have the greatest impact, they must go hand in hand. Together, the two can form a closed loop where the product continues to be used and then is transformed into useful new products, rather than being thrown away.

It first takes recycled paper from mrf, then turns it into recyclable fibers to make new products - which consumers can use and then recycle.

Take paper cups, for example. When the paper cup is properly sorted, recycled and made into a new paper cup, the original fibers used to make it become useful again, rather than degrading in a landfill. It's a myth that all paper cups can't be recycled - and several major U.S. cities are helping to bust it.

Brands have recognized that recycling materials is a powerful way to reduce their environmental impact, while also demonstrating their commitment to sustainability to increasingly environmentally conscious consumers. Coffee giant Starbucks has proven that it is possible to recycle paper cups by transferring 25 million of them to Sudan in a pilot project. McDonald's, the world's largest restaurant company, also announced a goal in 2018 to have 100 percent of consumer packaging in all restaurants made from renewable, recycled or certified sources.

Consider setting goals in your own business to increase the amount of recyclable materials you use in your products, and look for suppliers who also prioritize recyclable materials. By doing these things, you will demonstrate to your customers your leadership in sustainability and further demonstrate your commitment to the environment.