Go greener by reducing packaging waste on your construction site

Go Greener: Reduce Packaging Waste on Your Construction Site

By Jake Kirk • Tuesday 27th August 2019

One of the biggest challenges facing the UK today is effective waste management and its impact on the environment. Every year, approximately 90 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste are generated, but only about half of that is recycled or reclaimed. A significant portion of this waste comes from the packaging used to transport and store building materials. This packaging can take many forms—wood, cardboard, and plastic—but much of it is unnecessary. By reducing, reusing, recycling, or replacing these materials, businesses can significantly cut down on landfill waste. So, what options do construction companies have to minimize packaging waste on site, and how can it benefit your business?

Beyond the environmental advantages, there are also strong economic and reputational benefits to minimizing waste. The cost of managing and disposing of different types of waste is rising every year, so improving your waste reduction strategies can lead to more efficient operations and a stronger brand image. One key approach is to use resources more efficiently, which in turn reduces waste. Combining the 4 R’s—reduce, reuse, recycle, and replace—can help your business operate more sustainably and responsibly.

pallet wrap machine

Reduce

Reducing the amount of packaging you use is one of the most effective ways to lower your overall waste output. It doesn’t mean sacrificing protection—many companies have found smart ways to use less material without compromising safety. At Kite, our team of load retention engineers has developed techniques using stretch film that provide maximum protection with minimal usage. To further reduce plastic waste, we recommend using systems like the 5x5 stretch safe system or a pallet wrapping machine. These technologies increase the elongation of the stretch film, allowing for less material to be used while still ensuring secure packaging.

FIBC bag

Reuse

Many types of structural packaging, such as durable crates, pallets, and heavy-duty plastic containers, can be reused multiple times. This not only cuts down on waste but also reduces the need to buy new disposable packaging. Reusable options like woven sacks, FIBC bags, and robust plastic pallet boxes offer long-term value and make handling and storing construction materials easier. Timber pallets are also a great choice—they’re strong, long-lasting, and ideal for heavy loads. By investing in reusable packaging, businesses can save money and reduce their environmental footprint over time.

recycling baler

Recycle

When packaging reaches the end of its life, it doesn’t have to go straight to landfill. Implementing an in-house sorting system can make it easier to recycle materials. Start by setting up separate bins according to the national color-coding scheme, which helps streamline the process. To optimize space, consider investing in a waste compactor or baler. These machines compress waste into compact bales, saving space, time, and money. Instead of manually flattening and stuffing waste into bins, balers do the job quickly and consistently. They can handle materials like cardboard, plastic, paper, and even some metals, making waste management more efficient and cost-effective.

corrugated pallet

Replace

Finally, consider whether you can replace any harmful packaging with more sustainable alternatives. For example, if you currently use plastic pallets, you might switch to corrugated ones. These lightweight, durable options are easy to recycle and can help reduce transportation costs. Their lighter weight means you can carry more per load, leading to fewer trips and less environmental impact. Making these kinds of changes not only supports sustainability but also improves efficiency and cost-effectiveness across your operations.

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