Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Our commitment to environmental responsibility through packaging reuse, recycling, and sustainable business practices.
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Our Environmental Mission
At Ohio Packaging, we believe that business success and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Our mission is to provide sustainable packaging solutions that reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impact—while saving our customers money.
Every pallet we refurbish is a tree saved. Every gaylord box we reuse is cardboard kept out of landfills. Every IBC tote we recondition is plastic given a second life. These aren't just slogans—they're the foundation of how we do business.
Since 2009, we've been committed to building a more sustainable supply chain, one package at a time. Join us in making a difference for the planet while improving your bottom line.
"Sustainability is not just good for the planet—it's good for business."
Environmental Benefits of Used Packaging
Choosing reused and recycled packaging creates real, measurable environmental impact.
Reduce Landfill Waste
Every pallet, gaylord box, and IBC tote we reuse is one less item in a landfill. With millions of pounds diverted annually, the impact is substantial.
Conserve Natural Resources
Reusing wood pallets saves trees. Recycling cardboard reduces pulp demand. Every reused container conserves the raw materials that would otherwise be needed.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Manufacturing new packaging produces significant CO2. Used and recycled products require minimal processing, dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Support Circular Economy
We help close the loop by buying used packaging, refurbishing it, and putting it back into productive use. This circular approach maximizes resource efficiency.
The Circular Economy in Action
We close the loop on packaging materials, maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing waste.
Source
We collect used packaging from businesses across Ohio and surrounding states.
- • Pick up from your location
- • Buy surplus inventory
- • Accept trade-ins
Inspect & Grade
Each item is carefully inspected, sorted by condition, and assigned a grade.
- • Quality assessment
- • Grade assignment (A, B, C)
- • Identify repair needs
Restore
Products are cleaned, repaired, or reconditioned to maximize their useful life.
- • Pallet repair
- • IBC cleaning
- • Quality verification
Reuse
Restored products return to service, supporting businesses across many industries.
- • Matched to applications
- • Delivered when needed
- • Multiple lifecycles
Recycle
When products reach end of life, materials are responsibly recycled into new products.
- • Wood to mulch/fuel
- • Cardboard to paper
- • Plastic to new products
The cycle continues as recycled materials become new products, completing the circular economy loop.
Our Sustainable Practices
Sustainability isn't just what we sell—it's how we operate every day.
Product Reuse Programs
Pallet Restoration
We inspect, repair, and refurbish pallets to extend their useful life by 5-10 additional trips.
Saves 3-4 trees per 100 pallets
Gaylord Box Grading
Used boxes are carefully sorted by condition to maximize reuse before recycling.
70% reuse rate before recycling
IBC Tote Reconditioning
Professional cleaning and valve replacement gives totes a second (or third) life.
5+ years extended lifespan
Responsible Recycling
Wood Recycling
Pallets that can't be repaired are recycled into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel.
100% of wood is recycled or reused
Cardboard Baling
All non-reusable cardboard is baled and sent to paper mills for recycling.
Creates new paper products
Plastic Recycling
IBC bottles and plastic pallets are recycled into new plastic products.
Supports plastic circular economy
Operational Efficiency
Route Optimization
Our delivery routes are planned to minimize miles driven and fuel consumed.
20% reduction in fuel usage
Local Sourcing
We source materials locally when possible, reducing transportation impact.
Supports regional economy
Efficient Facilities
Our warehouse uses LED lighting, motion sensors, and energy-efficient equipment.
30% lower energy consumption
New vs. Used: The Environmental Comparison
See how choosing used packaging dramatically reduces environmental impact.
| Factor | New Product | Used Product | Your Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Material Use | 100% | 0% | 100% savings |
| Energy Consumption | High | Minimal | ~75% less |
| CO2 Emissions | Significant | Low | ~75% less |
| Landfill Impact | Eventual disposal | Delayed/eliminated | Major reduction |
| Water Usage | High (manufacturing) | Low (cleaning only) | ~80% less |
| Cost to Customer | $$$ | $ - $$ | 40-60% savings |
Benefits for Your Business
Sustainable choices create value for your business beyond just environmental impact.
Cost Savings
Sustainable choices and savings go hand-in-hand. Used packaging costs 40-60% less than new.
ESG Compliance
Support your company's environmental, social, and governance goals with documented sustainable sourcing.
Green Marketing
Tell your sustainability story. We can provide documentation of the environmental impact of your purchases.
Waste Reduction
Reduce your facility's waste output by selling or recycling surplus packaging instead of disposal.
Our Sustainability Journey
Key milestones in our commitment to environmental responsibility.
Founded with sustainability as core mission
Reached 500,000 lbs annual landfill diversion
Implemented comprehensive recycling program
1 million lbs annual diversion milestone
Added IBC reconditioning services
Upgraded to energy-efficient facilities
Reached 2 million lbs annual diversion
Launched expanded buy-back programs
Partner With Us
Join our sustainability initiatives and create value for your business while helping the environment.
Packaging Buy-Back Program
We'll buy your surplus pallets, gaylords, and IBC totes. Turn waste into revenue.
- Generate revenue
- Reduce waste costs
- Support circular economy
Closed-Loop Programs
Establish a returnable packaging program where we supply, collect, and recirculate your packaging.
- Consistent supply
- Reduced costs
- Zero waste
Sustainability Reporting
We can provide documentation of your environmental impact for ESG reporting and marketing.
- Quantified impact
- ESG compliance
- Marketing materials
Our Commitments
ISPM-15 Compliant
Heat-treated pallets meet international phytosanitary standards for export.
Local Business
Locally owned and operated, supporting the Ohio regional economy.
Responsible Recycler
All materials not suitable for reuse are responsibly recycled through certified facilities.
Sustainability FAQ
How do I know if used packaging is safe and reliable?
All products go through our rigorous inspection and grading process. We stand behind our quality with a satisfaction guarantee. Grade A products are virtually indistinguishable from new.
Can you help with our company's sustainability reporting?
Yes! We can provide documentation showing the environmental impact of your purchases, including estimated landfill diversion, CO2 reduction, and resource conservation.
What happens to packaging that can't be reused?
Nothing goes to landfill. Wood is recycled into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel. Cardboard is baled for paper recycling. Plastics are recycled into new products.
Is used packaging really more sustainable than new?
Absolutely. Manufacturing new packaging requires raw materials, energy, and water, and produces CO2. Used packaging requires only minimal processing, reducing environmental impact by 75% or more.
Do you have minimum order requirements for sustainable options?
No minimums for most products. We want to make sustainable choices accessible to businesses of all sizes. Contact us for bulk pricing on larger orders.
How can my company partner with you on sustainability initiatives?
We offer buy-back programs, closed-loop partnerships, and sustainability documentation. Contact us to discuss how we can support your environmental goals.
Join Our Sustainability Efforts
Whether you're buying sustainable packaging, selling your surplus, or looking to establish a closed-loop program, we're here to help. Contact us to discuss how we can support your environmental goals while improving your bottom line.
Free Sustainability Consultation
We'll assess your packaging needs and opportunities
Impact Documentation
Quantified environmental benefits for reporting
Custom Programs
Tailored solutions for your specific needs
Get Started Today
Make the Sustainable Choice
Every purchase of used packaging is a vote for a more sustainable future. Start making a difference today.