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.

The Myth of “Curb-side Recyclable”

Let’s clear up a misconception:

We don’t claim our product is curb-side 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.

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.

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:

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ningbo, China
Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia
Mexicali, Mexico (2025 launch)

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.

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

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?

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, CO₂, and chemical by-products

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

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.

CIRCULAR WHERE POSSIBLE.
COMPOSTABLE WHERE NEEDED.
ALWAYS SMARTER.

URTHCOR ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES

Environmentally sustainable packaging, designed to replace high-emission materials, such as, EPS and waxed cardboard while delivering superior performance and sustainability outcomes.

Benefits and features of URTHCOR include:

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 prevalence of polystyrene and cardboard waste

Flat-pack
Design

Save on space to reduce warehousing and freight costs

80% Lower CO2 Emissions

Typically produces lower emissions over the product lifecycle than conventional packaging

Reduced Food Waste

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

PFAS Free Certified

Reducing the continuation of these harmful chemicals entering the environment

URTHCOR CARBON OUTCOMES

URTHCOR represents a step-change in sustainable packaging by aligning carbon neutrality goals with operational efficiency. Modular recycling capability, lower material footprint, and lifecycle carbon savings offers a scalable, future-proof packaging solution.

Product Carbon Footprint Reduction

Up to 80% lower CO₂ emissions across the packaging’s lifecycle compared to EPS and waxed cardboard
Requires 25% of the energy used to produce conventional corrugated boxes
Reduces freight volume by 30-80% through flat-packed, nestable designs

Reduced Scope 3 Emissions

Flat-pack design enables fewer transportation vehicles and higher shipment density, directly cutting freight-related Scope 3 emissions
High durability and reusability reduce the frequency of replacements, further minimising environmental impact

Closed-Loop Circularity

Fully recyclable within Disruptive Packaging’s reverse logistics and reprocessing ecosystem
Collected used boxes are reprocessed into new packaging or other products e.g., plastic pallets
Modular 10 sqm recycling stations can be deployed near customer locations to reduce return transport emissions

Certifications & Compliance

PFAS-free certified
Compliant with EU and U.S. state mandates on EPS bans and single-use plastic reductions
Supports Retailer’s ESG reporting and Scope 3 emissions reduction targets