5 Essential Steps to Implement Single-Stream Recycling in Your Packaging

Picture this: you’ve just finished your meal deal and go to recycle the sandwich carton. You open the recycling bin, messily tear the plastic window and inner liner from the carton, and smear mayo all over your hands. Frustrated, you toss it into the general waste bin, vowing never to buy that sandwich again. 

Sound familiar? The fact is, many items aren’t sustainable because they aren’t single-stream recyclable. This puts the recycling burden on consumers, leading to poor experiences and lower recycling rates. 

As consumer demand for sustainability grows, businesses must adapt to meet them. This is why making your packaging single-stream recycling friendly is absolutely key in 2025: it simplifies the process for consumers, eliminating any extra steps before the packaging hits the recycling bin.  

But what exactly is single-stream recycling? 

Understanding Single-Stream Recycling 

Single-stream recycling allows all recyclable materials from an item – such as paper, cardboard, plastic, and glass – to be placed in a single bin. This eliminates the need for consumers to sort their recyclables, which is key to today’s high recycling rates. 

However, there's a catch. If your packaging can't go straight into this single-stream bin without the need to tear bits out of it, there’s a good chance that consumers will either throw it in anyway and contaminate the recyclables, or just bin it in the general waste. 

This is why packaging ethos needs to change: the whole item of packaging should instead be able to go straight into your household recycling bin.

Integrating Single-Stream Recycling Ethos into Your Packaging 

To fully embrace single-stream recycling, businesses must consider the entire lifecycle of their packaging, from design to disposal. Here are the key strategies you need to incorporate this ethos into your packaging solutions: 

1. Prioritise Recyclable Materials

Opt for materials that are easily recyclable in single-stream systems. For example, single-use plastics can’t be recycled and will need to be removed before the rest of the packaging hits the recycling bin.  

At Simply Cartons, we use Enviracoat, a biodegradable food-safe coating which provides necessary barrier properties while remaining fully recyclable. 

2. Simplify Packaging Designs

Design your packaging to minimise the use of mixed materials. This includes avoiding non-recyclable fastening elements like magnets and ribbons. Card-based tabs and closures are a great solution. 

Simplified designs not only make recycling easier but also reduce the overall environmental impact of your packaging. 

3. Innovate with Sustainable Solutions

Innovation is key to creating sustainable packaging without hurting your shelf appeal. 

For example, our Enviramet eco-friendly foil is both visually appealing and environmentally friendly – and it’s fully recyclable.  

You might also consider making your sustainable packaging a focal product feature and stand out from the competition. With the right product and design, fully recycled and recyclable materials can offer a premium look and finish. 

4. Educate Consumers

Clear communication is essential. Include simple step-by-step recycling instructions on your packaging to help consumers understand how to dispose of it properly.  

Educating your customers about recycling can significantly improve recycling rates and overall environmental impact – and it demonstrates your commitment to sustainable practices. 

5. Partner with Sustainable Suppliers

Sustainability begins at the very start of your supply chain. If you want to be sustainable, you need to work with suppliers who prioritise sustainability.  

At Simply Cartons, we’re committed to creating packaging solutions that align with single-stream recycling principles. You can get in touch to learn how our expertise and innovative products can help your brand achieve its sustainability goals. 

Leading by Example: Simply Cartons' Commitment 

At Simply Cartons, we are proud to lead by example in the packaging industry. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every product we create.

That’s why we spent two years developing our Enviracoat and Enviramet technologies. We do everything we can to provide our clients with packaging that is not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally responsible. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your journey towards single-stream recycling and a more sustainable future.