20 years ago when I first started selling on eBay, the one thing I always hated was the yards and yards of parcel label backing that spewed out on a daily basis. My label waste wasn’t just backing off the courier label itself, in those days there was also backing from Signed For or Special Delivery labels as well.
Now Whistl are addressing this decades old problem and have implemented a new repurposing process for their label waste which could see 25 tonnes of label waste converted into new liner or paper products rather than heading for landfill.
The backing paper used on labels is typically disposed of through general waste as it is too difficult to recycle due to the non-stick and moisture treatment of the paper.
Whistl, working in association with its label provider GBF, ran a trial scheme at its Bolton Super Depot. The label waste is separated, collated and sent for shredding where it is converted into new liner or paper products.
The initiative is part of Whistl’s commitment to a circular economy and deals with the large volume of label waste from parcels, letters, and various other items.
Following its success the scheme will now be rolled out across the business. Ultimately, the initiative will lead to 25 tonnes per annum of label waste being repurposed, replacing the need for 325 trees worth of virgin pulp to make new paper products.
Finding a solution with a supplier has led to staggering results at Bolton. Backing label paper does not biodegrade or is easily recyclable, so with no clear alternative it’s often disposed of. The team should be very proud of the impact on waste management. We are now eager to start rolling out to our other sites and carry on the great work.
– Sam Urmston, Regional Estates Manager, Whistl
In addition to this initiative to reduce waste being sent to landfill, Whistl is looking at liner-less labels, which will eliminate the need for backing label paper. This approach is part of a broader circular solution, with the ultimate goal to fully negate the use of backing label paper, further reducing waste and enhancing sustainability across its operations.
