Everyone knows that recycling is an important way we can all contribute to a more sustainable future in our work and home lives. But have you ever felt confused and frustrated about what items you can actually recycle and where? If you answered yes then you are not alone. 

The team here at Winstone Wallboards have created the GIB® packaging recycling guide. It’s a summary of GIB® product packaging and how these can be recycled. For example: 

• All the shrink wrap we use is clear LDPE which is easily recycled with other soft plastics  

• GIB® Pallets are timber and returned for reuse 

• GIB® Grabber® cardboard cartons are easily recycled with paper and cardboard, while the collated strip is LDPE (4) but because it is strong and thick to ensure performance through screw guns it is not currently recyclable in New Zealand. 

It is important to note that this guide is a live document. It will be regularly updated as we continue down our sustainability journey. We are constantly looking for ways to make our product packaging more sustainable. Eliminating or changing the packaging products we use can reduce the volumes of waste going to landfill or make recycling easier.  

A great example of this is the change to GIB-Cove® Classic pallet packaging. These pallets had a polystyrene protective top layer which would often end up in landfill, or occasionally recycled (if specialist recycling services are available). A simple change to fluted cardboard top sheet eliminates the use of the polystyrene, and the protective layer is now easily recycled in-store, or on site with other paper and cardboard. We are now working with our supplier to change over the balance of the GIB® Cove range to cardboard too.   

Download your own copy of the GIB® Packaging Recycling Guide and if you see ways we can reduce packaging waste please let us know at info@gib.co.nz