Upcycling is one way in which we are trying to reduce the amount of our products that actually end up as waste. It means we are trying to make use not only of the material, but also the original shape and design of the packaging.
In the UK our non-recyclable rubbish is typically sent to landfill, or a waste-to-energy facility. The processing of this rubbish creates carbon emissions which could be avoided if the material was reused. Through our partnership with TerraCycle we are providing the option to help keep our packaging waste out of landfill, making it available to be used again.
Then by upcycling this waste, it can be used as the material when new products are created. This process requires much less energy and resources compared to starting from scratch with raw materials.
So by upcycling our JOHNSON’S® Baby Wipes packs, we can make use of the plastic but also its shape and design to create brand new products, which means nothing goes to waste and we reduce the amount of virgin materials extracted from natural resources.
Source: TerraCycle LCA comparison of recycling and upcyling, 2010
