Packaging & Recycling - How Downtown is thinking of the environment
We are extremely passionate about the environment. Here we explain how we use environmentally friendly methods and materials to safely and securely pack your order, whilst minimising our impact on the environment.
Here at Downtown, we pride ourselves on our high standard of packaging. Each month we send out thousands of parcels across both Lincolnshire and the wider United Kingdom.
Our staff treat each order how they would like their own to be treated, with care and dedication. Every parcel is safely protected to survive its onward journey and any bumps it receives along the way.We are also extremely passionate about the environment. In this post we wanted to explain how we use environmentally friendly methods and materials to safely and securely pack your order, whilst minimising our impact on the environment.
Environmentally Friendly Packaging
A common misconception is that we use polystyrene filling, however, our EcoFlo loose-fill is made from a starch based material. It is 100% biodegradable, 100% compostable and is fully soluble when saturated with water, which takes away the issue of litter.
As an annually renewable resource, our EcoFlo conforms with EN13432.Even the process of creating these packing chips is environmentally friendly! Maize starch is combined with a small amount of water and then extruded under a combination of head and high pressure using steam rather than gas.
Recycle & Re-use
As a Nationwide retailer, we receive large amounts of boxes and cartons from suppliers. Where possible we will reuse these boxes for sending out orders.
Using a 'previously used' box may not look quite as nice, but does save on cardboard. Please rest assured that your order will still be packaged to the usual high standards.We do err on the side of caution with some of packaging of delicate items such as china or glassware. It may look as though a big box has been used, however we would rather that than your order arrive damaged or broken.
Pallets, metals and other useful items are also reused by our warehouse and distribution team.
Other Initiatives
As well as within our distribution operation, we have undertaken other initiatives across the business which you can read more about here.
These include: Recycling of cardboard and plastic, sustainable products, reusable bags and more. We are proud to recycle 70 tonnes of cardboard and 8 tonnes of plastic per year, including clothes hangers.
WEEE Directive Compliant
Downtown adheres to the current WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive), accepting and recycling electrical items and major appliances.
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Posted by Ellie Allen
22nd October 2021
