The sustainable packaging provider Go-Pak UK, along with their parent company SCG Packaging (SCGP) have unveiled a pioneering recycling solution designed to help brands responsibly and efficiently recycle old corrugated cardboard (OCC). This breakthrough arrives at a pivotal moment, aligning seamlessly with new UK Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. These place full lifecycle accountability, including take-back, recycling and disposing, firmly on producers and not taxpayers.
Their solution also coincides with the sustainability efforts of Manufacturer of the Year, Go-Pak UK, and SCG Packaging, as they work towards a more responsible future and aim to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The new service, called Go-Recycle, is a cardboard recyclate program designed to help brands reuse more waste, reduce costs and support a genuinely circular economy. Go-Pak UK says the service is responding to growing demand from brands under pressure to reduce waste, meet environmental targets and demonstrate responsible sourcing.
Under the scheme, OCC and other regular products are processed at a dedicated facility. Then, the materials are returned to SCGP’s paper mills in Thailand and Vietnam, in otherwise empty containers. There they are then repurposed into new cardboard packaging and non-food contact cardboard products for re-entry into the supply chain.
Tim Allen, operations director at Go-Pak UK, said: “We’re thrilled to launch Go-Recycle. The service is a unique offering that the industry has needed for a long time, with no other major suppliers currently providing a comparable solution. It’s a simple, efficient and sustainable cycle that keeps valuable resources in use for longer. Our approach also helps brands streamline operations and reduce supply chain friction by integrating product delivery and recycling collection seamlessly into daily processes.”
Over the last few years, the cost and availability of OCC has become increasingly volatile. There is weak demand in some markets and oversupply in others. To counter this, Go-Recycle aims to guarantee supply quality and continuity for reuse in packing. Co-collecting OCC alongside regular deliveries means reduced logistical complexity, lower costs and completely eliminates unnecessary transport emissions.
Tim adds: “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.”
Customer and first adopter of Go-Recycle, Darren Howarth at Imperial Furniture, said: “We were looking for a partner to help us with the disposal and recycling of all our cardboard and plastic waste. Go-Pak reached out to us through our installation team while they were carrying out work for one of our customers. They now take all our waste, and I have to say the transition to them was very smooth and efficient. The process is seamless, and the service levels have been excellent. I would recommend Go-Pak to anyone looking for a reliable recycler who always delivers on the promises they make.”
Lynn Creighton, group product technical manager at Go-Pak UK, said: “Go-Recycle supports regulatory and corporate commitments around reused content in packaging, including the new
regulation introduced in April 2025 for separate recyclable waste streams. With global demand for recycled materials projected to grow, especially in packaging and non-food cardboard products, companies offering efficient closed-loop solutions are better positioned to strengthen their sustainability credentials and meet increasing ESG and regulatory requirements.”
Melanie May, group customer service and support manager, said: “We know our customers often have waste material on site, so we’re here to help them commodify that waste with ease. With Go-Recycle, we’re helping our customers and other brands recycle efficiently – not just with products, but with the systems and services that make sustainability achievable. We see the bigger picture: acting responsibly, reducing waste and supporting the industry’s journey toward a more circular future.”
By offering a streamlined solution to cardboard collection, Go-Recycling is capable of ensuring high-quality recyclate. By doing so, it has established a fully circular loop. This service addresses environmental, operational and supply chain challenges, whilst also helping brands capitalise on growing regulatory and market demands for sustainable packaging.
