Recycled Moving Box Essentials:
- Public Storage boxes supplied by Pratt Industries are made from 100% recycled paper and cardboard.
- Recycled paper and cardboard are processed into pulp, paperboard, and corrugated cardboard.
- Corrugated cardboard uses a fluted center layer and outer paperboard walls for structure.
- Use boxes that fit the items you plan to pack.
- Label every box on at least two sides with its room and contents.
- Keep heavy boxes manageable to lift and move.
- Pack only clean, dry household items for storage.
How Recycled Cardboard Becomes a Moving Box:
What Are Public Storage Boxes Made From?
Public Storage boxes supplied by Pratt Industries are made from 100% recycled paper and cardboard. The recycled materials are processed into corrugated cardboard for moving boxes and box kits.
Used paper and cardboard collected through recycling programs become new paperboard and cardboard products. This process gives existing materials another use instead of relying only on new paper fibers.
How Is Recycled Cardboard Turned Into a New Box?
Recycled cardboard becomes a new box through sorting, pulping, drying, corrugating, cutting, and gluing. The process converts used paper fibers into new cardboard sheets that are formed into boxes.
- Recycled paper and cardboard are collected and sorted.
- The materials are combined with water to create wood-fiber pulp.
- The pulp is spread into thin layers and dried into paperboard.
- Paperboard layers are formed into corrugated cardboard.
- The cardboard is cut and glued into different box sizes.
How Does Pratt Industries Use Recycled Materials?
Pratt Industries uses recycled paper and cardboard to make new paper products, including cardboard boxes. According to figures provided for the original article, Pratt processed more than 3,000 tons of recycled material each day.
The original figures also stated that the company produced enough new paper each day to stretch about 2,500 miles. Pratt operates an energy facility that converts certain materials diverted from landfills into energy for its operations.
How Do Recycled Boxes Reduce Resource Use?
Recycled boxes reduce the need for new paper materials by using existing paper and cardboard fibers. Public Storage reported that selling recycled rather than conventional boxes saved the equivalent of more than 68,000 trees in one year.
The original figures from Pratt estimated that its recycling processes saved the equivalent of 51,000 trees, 21 million gallons of water, and 12 million kilowatt-hours of energy each day.
Can You Use Public Storage Boxes for Moving and Storage?
Yes. Public Storage sells cardboard boxes and box kits for moving, packing, and organizing permitted household items. Choose a box size that fits the item weight and contents, then label every box clearly.
Use smaller boxes for heavier household items and larger boxes for lighter, bulkier items. Avoid overpacking boxes beyond what you can comfortably move.
How Should You Pack With Recycled Cardboard Boxes?
Pack with recycled cardboard boxes by grouping similar items together, choosing the right box size, and labeling each box by room and contents. Keep boxes manageable and use a consistent layout when moving items into storage.
Use these packing steps:
- Pack one room or category at a time.
- Use smaller boxes for heavier items.
- Fill open space with clean packing paper or soft household items.
- Seal every box with packing tape.
- Label at least two sides with the room and contents.
- Keep high-use boxes near the entrance of your storage unit.
- Leave a clear aisle through the unit for access.
Use the Public Storage size guide to compare unit sizes before reserving.
What Should You Not Pack in Cardboard Boxes for Storage?
Do not pack food, wet items, live plants, paint, fuel, cleaners, hazardous materials, personal records, or other prohibited items for storage. Only pack permitted, clean, dry household items.
Keep printed photos, personal media, original records, and items important to you at home.
Pack With Recycled Boxes and a Clear Plan.
Use recycled cardboard boxes to pack clean, dry household items by room or category, then label each box for easier access later. Public Storage boxes and storage units can help you pack, organize, and put away permitted household items during a move or home project.
Reuse the material. Organize the move.
Recycled Moving Box FAQs
Are Public Storage Cardboard Boxes Made From Recycled Materials?
Public Storage cardboard boxes supplied by Pratt Industries are made from 100% recycled paper and cardboard. The boxes are made for moving, packing, and organizing permitted household items.
How Is Recycled Cardboard Made Into a Box?
Recycled paper and cardboard are sorted, mixed with water into pulp, dried into paperboard, and formed into corrugated cardboard. The cardboard is then cut and glued into box shapes.
Can You Use Recycled Cardboard Boxes for Moving?
Yes. Recycled cardboard boxes can be used for moving boxes, household items, clothing, books, and other clean, dry belongings. Choose the right box size and avoid overpacking.
How Do You Label Moving Boxes?
Label moving boxes on at least two sides with the destination room and a short list of contents. Use labels such as Kitchen — Serving Dishes or Bedroom — Winter Clothing.
What Should You Not Put in Cardboard Boxes for Storage?
Do not pack food, wet items, live plants, paint, fuel, cleaners, hazardous materials, personal records, or other prohibited items. Pack only permitted, clean, dry household belongings.
