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In the forest

SUSTAINABILITY

Recycling That Actually Works: Closing the Loop on Packaging Waste

At Disruptive Packaging, we’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re engineering it into every stage of the packaging lifecycle.

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The Myth of “Curb-side Recyclable”


Let’s clear up a misconception:

 

We don’t claim our product is curbside recyclable. While some materials like polypropylene (PP) are technically recyclable, it’s rarely accepted by municipal programs and most often ends up in landfill. PP boxes, made from 80–100% plastic, contribute heavily to plastic waste.

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The future is changing:
 

Many countries and U.S. states are now introducing plastic taxes based on the percentage of plastic in packaging. Our packaging contains up to 70% less plastic than conventional PP alternatives, offering a real environmental and commercial advantage.

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Real Recycling. Closed Loop. Global Capability.

 

Unlike most packaging suppliers, we’ve built a fully integrated recycling infrastructure. Our closed-loop recycling system is already operational and proven in Australasia and Asia Pacific—and we’re scaling globally:

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  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  • Ningbo, China

  • Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia

  • Mexicali, Mexico (June 2025 launch)

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Across these facilities, all returned products as well as production waste materials are collected, recycled, and remanufactured into new packaging—on the same production lines. This in-line recycling capability reduces environmental impact and improves efficiency. It’s sustainability that works, not just in theory—but in practice.

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Multi-Life, Multi-Purpose
 

Our packaging is not just recyclable—it’s also reusable, and we have case studies proving multiple reuses per unit. Our proprietary blend of HDPE and calcium carbonate can also be recycled and repurposed by third-party processors into products such as:
 

  • Pipes

  • Outdoor furniture

  • Shopping bags

  • Shampoo bottles

  • Food containers

  • Toys and more
     

It’s a material with true downstream value.

 

The Hidden Truth About Alternatives

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Let’s break down the environmental reality of other materials:
 

  • Waxed Cardboard: Not recyclable. The wax coating prevents fibre recovery.

  • Coated Cardboard: Often rejected by recyclers due to plastic films or coatings.

  • Contaminated Cardboard: Food-soiled cardboard is typically landfilled.

  • Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): Difficult to recycle. Bulky and expensive to transport. EPS is banned in many jurisdictions for food applications.
     

What About Cardboard?

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Cardboard’s reputation as the “green option” is outdated. Worldwide only ~60% of corrugated cardboard is recycled (United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) 2018).

Even when recycled, it requires:
 

  • 30%+ virgin fibre input due to fibre degradation

  • High volumes of water and energy

  • A process that generates sludge, COâ‚‚, and chemical by-products
     

In contrast, our recycling process uses minimal water and energy, with a significantly lower total lifecycle footprint.

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Coming Soon - Compostable

In markets where we can’t retrieve material for recycling, we’re launching a certified industrial compostable range in 2025—meeting standards like ASTM D6400/D6868 and BPI certification. This ensures sustainability across every supply chain—no matter the location.

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CIRCULAR WHERE POSSIBLE.
COMPOSTABLE WHERE NEEDED. 
ALWAYS SMARTER.

URTHCOR ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES

Environmentally sustainable packaging that is commercially viable.
Benefits and features of URTHCOR include:

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100% Closed Loop Recyclable

 designed to save millions of tonnes of harmful products such as waxed cardboard and polystyrene, from entering landfill each year.

Made of Natural Materials

Up to 70% Calcium Carbonate composition, reducing the prevalance of polystyrene and cardboard waste 

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Flat-pack design

Save on space to reduce warehousing and freight costs

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80% lower CO2 emissions

typically over the product life cycle than conventional packaging 

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Reduced Food Waste

The strength advantage of Unicor prevents crushing, moisture loss and degradation in supply chain

PFAS Free Certified

Reducing the continuation of these harmful chemicals entering the environment

Interested in packaging solutions for your business?

URTHCOR® is the World's first commercially viable non-paper, waterproof, closed loop recyclable and corrugated packaging solution.

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