Thanks to the work of prominent climate activists like Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough, we’re more aware as a society of the increasing dangers posed by the climate crisis than ever before. There are all kinds of areas in which we could lead more environmentally-friendly lives; the use of both biodegradable wipes and recyclable laminates is one of them. The onus is on everyone – whether that be in a personal or professional setting – to do more.
With that in mind, the team here at Guardpack, who utilise recyclable laminate in their manufacturing processes as well as offering their own biodegradable wipes (under the mywipe brand) and private label services, wanted to explore just how much of a positive impact using these items can have in the fight against climate change.
The Climate Facts
First, though, it’s probably best to lay out why exactly such positive action on is required in the first place. Without the aid of hard facts and figures to help contextualise the situation, it’s all too easy for us as humans to conveniently forget about our environmental responsibilities as and when it suits us. Without meaning to sound too scary, then, but at the same time reminding you of the very real threats of climate change, here are some startling facts:
- It’s thought that around one million species could be at risk of extinction due to climate change.
- Since the 1960s, glaciers around the world have been shrinking and no sign of slowing down.
- Climate change is thought to be significantly influencing the number of extreme weather events worldwide; winter storms are more severe, hurricanes more intense, wildfires more frequent and drought conditions more persistent.
- 2020 was the second warmest year, globally, on record.
Biodegradable Wipes
Nobody disputes the efficacy or usefulness of wet wipes in daily life. Whether they’re being used to help mothers out with their young babies, in healthcare settings or even to wipe greasy fingers after a meal at a restaurant, wet wipes are an indispensable part of modern-day society. That said, however, they’ve also traditionally been made from non-biodegradable materials which can be harmful to the environment.
The result? Millions of wet wipes being sent to landfill each year where they’ll sit and stay; comprised at least partially of plastic, these wipes won’t degrade on a useful timescale and will potentially be dangerous to flora and fauna. Biodegradable wipes, on the other hand, such as those Guardpack offer, will degrade in landfill sites and thus not add to climate issues in anything like so drastic a way as their non-biodegradable counterparts.
Biodegradable Doesn’t Equate To Flushable
Remember, though, biodegradable is not the same as flushable. Just because these particular wipes will break down over time doesn’t mean you’ve suddenly got carte blanche to chuck it in the loo. Given that, according to a Guardian report back in 2017, wet wipes make up to 93% of annual UK sewer blockages – the worst of which resulting in the now-infamous ‘fatbergs’ – it’s vital that you still bin your biodegradable wipes rather than flush them. If ever you’re in doubt about what can/can’t be flushed, just remember the 3 Ps: pee, paper and poo.
Recyclable Laminate
Single-use plastics (SUPs) are known to have a negative impact on both the climate and environment, more generally. What’s more, the wet wipe manufacturing industry has long since had a negative reputation when it comes to its usage of said materials, and it’s understandable why.
Plastic production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and the quantity of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is rising at an alarming rate. It’s thought, in fact, that there may well be more plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050. There are several ways of lessening the impact that SUPs are having on the world. The most effective of which going by 3 Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. Our recyclable laminate for sachets and wet wipes falls under the last of those three.
Guardpack is incredibly proud to manufacture its single-use sachets and wet wipe packaging from a 100% recyclable laminate. This ensures that our corporate and commercial activity is being conducted in an ethical and sustainable way.
Contact Us
We recognise, as a company, our responsibility in producing products that don’t actively harm the environment. Hopefully, after reading this, you will too! If you’d like to find out more about the biodegradable wipes we offer, get in touch! Contact Guardpack today 01245 505 807 or by emailing us at trade@guardpack.co.uk. Alternatively, you can fill out one of our online enquiry forms on our website. However you want to get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you!
