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Understand the impact of packaging

When thinking about how certain packaging materials are deemed more sustainable, it’s important to consider both manufacturing and recycling processes. Here’s what you need to know.

The lifecycle of packaging

Upstream: How it’s made

Upstream refers to how packaging is made—what goes into sourcing materials for and manufacturing sustainable packaging.

Recycled plastic or recycled paper are examples of materials with a reduced upstream impact on the environment. Paper or fibre coming from renewable sources also has a reduced impact on the environment.

Downstream: How it’s disposed of

Downstream refers to what happens after the packaging is used, including how the materials are disposed of.

Recyclable PET plastic, compostable fibre packaging and reusable containers are examples of materials that usually have a reduced downstream impact, but their sustainability will depend on the availability of infrastructure to process the materials.

How different packaging fits in this lifecycle

  • Recycled

    Packaging that is made from previously-used plastic, paper, or aluminum is considered recycled.

  • Renewable

    Packaging that is responsibly sourced from sustainable raw materials (like the byproduct from sugarcane production used to make fiber packaging) is considered to be renewable.

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We're here to help, but you should make decisions based on what's best for your business. Materials are provided for informational purposes only and shouldn't be relied upon as business or legal advice from Uber.