Go-Pak UK unveils closed-loop system to repurposes cardboard waste into fresh packaging

UK – Go-Pak UK, in partnership with SCG Packaging, has introduced the Go-Recycle service, a closed-loop recycling program designed to channel old corrugated cardboard directly back into the packaging production cycle. 

This initiative enables brands to hand over their waste materials during standard product delivery collections, minimizing extra logistics. 

The collected cardboard undergoes processing and travels to SCG Packaging’s mills in Thailand and Vietnam via empty return containers, cutting down on unnecessary shipments.

Once at the mills, the material transforms into new cardboard sheets and items for non-food contact applications, then ships back to the UK for reuse in manufacturing. 

Early participants in the program have noted drops in transportation emissions by up to 30%, alongside savings on waste disposal fees estimated at UK$50 to UK$100 per ton, depending on volume. 

They also gain a steady stream of high-grade recycled fiber, helping stabilize supply amid global market swings.

The launch coincides with the rollout of Extended Producer Responsibility regulations in the UK earlier this year, which mandate producers to cover costs for packaging waste management.

According to Go-Pak officials, these rules push companies to secure recycled inputs and cut landfill use while keeping operations efficient. 

Tim Allen, operations director at Go-Pak UK, explained that OCC prices have fluctuated wildly in recent years, with some regions facing shortages and others dealing with excess stock. 

He added that Go-Recycle provides a fixed-quality supply chain to shield businesses from these ups and downs.

Allen stated, “With prices under pressure, collection and processing need to be efficient.”

“Our service ensures companies are less exposed to market fluctuations and can maintain recycled content targets without financial loss, all while using existing delivery routes to keep carbon footprints low.“

One of the first companies to adopt the service, Imperial Furniture, has integrated it fully into its waste handling. 

Darren Howarth, a representative there, reported that Go-Pak’s team connected with them during a routine installation job at a client site. 

The switchover handled both cardboard and plastic discards without disruptions, and service reliability has exceeded expectations. He noted the process runs smoothly from pickup to reporting.

In a related advancement, RecyClass announced on November 29, 2025, the certification of nitrocellulose-free inks for flexible packaging, which improves sorting and recovery rates in closed-loop setups. 

The certification applies to inks that break down more easily during pulping, potentially boosting the efficiency of programs like Go-Recycle by 15 to 20%  in mixed-material streams.

Go-Recycle already serves a handful of UK-based manufacturers, with plans to scale collections nationwide by mid-2026. 

Participants must commit to minimum volumes of 500 tons annually to qualify, ensuring economic viability. 

The service charges a flat fee of about US$75 per ton, covering transport and processing, which users say undercuts traditional waste haulers. 

By looping materials across continents, the program diverts an estimated 10,000 tons of cardboard from landfills each year, supporting broader goals for circular economies in packaging.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE