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Online used corrugated trader offers 'alternative to recycling'

A new website has launched offering packaging users the chance to buy and sell used corrugated boxes - rather than recycle them.

Sadlers Carton Stockholders, based in Birmingham, has launched the website and is hoping it will open corrugated users’ eyes to the reuse option for boxes.

Managing director Mike Sadler told Packaging News: "We are aiming to raise awareness of the potential benefits, and cost savings, through the website.

"We are also hoping to attract more suppliers, as massive volumes of cardboard waste are sent for recycling when reuse would be a better option for all involved."

Sadlers already processes up to 2.5m boxes every month which it buys from major producers of food, drink, household products, general manufacturers and importers, paying around £80/tonne.

Guaranteed rates
Sadler said: "The most important thing is that we will guarantee rates for up to three years regardless of any fluctuations in waste paper prices. This gives our suppliers continuity regardless of any market crashes."

Sadlers then resells the boxes to companies who, Sadler said, were more interested in price than whether the boxes were branded as their own company. Clients included a high-street book retailer, a plastic moulder, an online pet products retailer and removal companies.

The service has existed since 1990, when Sadlers started trials collecting used boxes from McDonalds. However, now is the first time that the service has been made available online.

Sadlers first started trading in the 1960s, selling used packaging such as ammunition boxes from the Ministry of Defence, tea chests, wooden packing cases and pallets.