Widely Recyclable Food Packaging

Widely recyclable packaging is made from materials that can be collected, processed, and turned into new products. When disposed of correctly, it helps conserve resources, reduce landfill waste, and lower the need for virgin materials. 

In the UK, most recyclable food packaging can go into household recycling bins — but it must be clean and dry to avoid contamination.

In recent years, the food and hospitality industry has faced growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint and embrace sustainable practices.

One of the most effective strategies is the use of widely recyclable food packaging—packaging that can be collected and processed by the majority of kerbside recycling systems.

This approach not only diverts waste from landfills but also supports the transition to a circular economy, where valuable materials are reused rather than discarded.

What is Widely Recyclable Packaging?

Widely recyclable packaging refers to materials that most local councils accept in kerbside collections and that recycling facilities can process effectively. 

Unlike compostable or specialist materials, these packaging types are recognised by mainstream recycling systems and have established end markets.

This makes them a practical and impactful choice for businesses in the food sector that want to balance sustainability with functionality.

Widely Recyclable Packaging Benefits for Food Businesses

Using widely recyclable food packaging provides multiple benefits for businesses in the hospitality industry. Firstly, it appeals to environmentally conscious consumers who actively seek out sustainable brands. 

Clear recycling labels also enhance trust and customer satisfaction, showing that the business is committed to reducing waste.

Secondly, recyclable packaging often complies with government sustainability targets and waste management regulations, helping businesses avoid penalties.

Finally, in a crowded marketplace, sustainable packaging can differentiate a brand, strengthening its competitive edge.

Widely Recyclable Packaging Best Practices and Considerations

To maximise the impact of recyclable packaging, businesses should ensure packaging is clean, uncontaminated, and properly labelled.

Consumers must be guided on how to dispose of it—whether caps should stay on bottles, or trays should be rinsed. Businesses should also avoid unnecessary coatings or laminates, as these reduce recyclability. 

Collaborating with suppliers to design packaging that uses single materials rather than complex combinations improves recycling efficiency.

Widely recyclable food packaging is more than just a sustainable choice; it is an essential step toward reducing waste and promoting circularity in the food industry.

By choosing paper, metals, glass, and recyclable plastics, businesses can align with consumer expectations, meet sustainability goals, and contribute to a cleaner planet.

Ultimately, the widespread adoption of recyclable packaging represents a practical and impactful way for the hospitality sector to lead in environmental responsibility.

Common widely recyclable materials used for food packaging

• PET plastic: Clear drinks bottles, portion pots, dessert pots, salad and sushi trays
• HDPE plastic: Milk bottles, yoghurt pots
• PP plastic: Microwavable trays, deli pots
• Aluminium: Cans, foil trays
• Steel: Food tins
• Glass: Jars, bottles
• Paper & cardboard: Cereal boxes, pizza boxes

Widely Recyclable Food Packaging FAQs