Go-Pak processes 16,000 tonnes of corrugated waste through its closed-loop system

A milestone in reverse logistics for the packaging sector

The recovery of Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) has long been a logistical bottleneck for the foodservice and catering industries, where high volumes of secondary packaging often end up fragmented across multiple waste streams. Go-Pak Group has directly addressed this inefficiency with its Go-Recycle initiative, successfully recovering more than 16,000 tonnes of cardboard in under a year. Launched in November 2025, the scheme demonstrates how packaging manufacturers can internalize waste management to secure raw materials and offer tangible value to their clients.

The mechanics of a true closed-loop infrastructure

What separates Go-Recycle from standard waste brokerage is its integration with Go-Pak's parent company, SCG Packaging (SCGP). Instead of selling the collected OCC on the volatile open market, the material is channeled directly back into the SCGP network. Here, it is repulped and remanufactured into new, non-food contact cardboard packaging. This closed-loop approach insulates the supply chain from fluctuating global recovered paper prices while ensuring high-quality fiber retention. For businesses generating large volumes of corrugated waste, the service eliminates disposal fees and, in cases of baled or high-volume OCC, offers financial rebates. By integrating the delivery of new Go-Pak products with the removal of used transit packaging, the company effectively reduces supply chain friction and transportation emissions.

Navigating the EPR regulatory landscape in 2026

The rapid adoption of the Go-Recycle scheme is intrinsically linked to the shifting regulatory environment. With the UK's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations now fully active, the financial and operational burden of packaging end-of-life has shifted firmly onto producers. Businesses are under unprecedented pressure to separate recyclable waste streams and prove the circularity of their operations. Go-Pak's fully managed service provides a compliant, auditable trail for OCC, backed by accreditations from the National Packaging Waste Database and Tier 1 Waste Carrier licenses. This proactive compliance model is becoming a baseline requirement for major brands looking to partner with packaging suppliers in 2026.

Industry recognition and market penetration

The operational success of the program has not gone unnoticed by the wider industry. The initiative recently secured Silver in the Sustainable Innovation and Investment category at the Packaging News Sustainability Awards 2026. According to Tim Allen, operations director at Go-Pak Group, the 16,000 tonnes of exported OCC originated from a diverse client base, including global fast-food supply chains and catering equipment suppliers. The initiative has also stimulated local economies by creating new jobs and supporting wider supply chain employment. This rapid scaling proves that when a packaging manufacturer assumes responsibility for its products' end-of-life, the market responds with aggressive adoption.

The success of Go-Recycle proves that packaging manufacturers can no longer afford to treat reverse logistics as an afterthought; controlling the end-of-life phase is now a critical lever for securing fiber and building client loyalty. Will we see more global packaging conglomerates acquiring or building their own dedicated waste recovery fleets to bypass traditional recycling brokers? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai