Security seals are mostly made of plastic polymers such as polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Improper disposal of a large number of used security seals will lead to long-term plastic pollution. Sustainability is crucial to your company's brand image.
The Global Plastics Treaty also clearly mentions that plastic pollution is becoming a growing crisis. So? When you buy security seals in bulk, you still need to be careful when you use them. This article will explain six ways to deal with security seals.
1: Recycle Through Certified Plastic Processors
Recycling is the most straightforward and effective method when done through the correct channels. Specialized recyclers handle industrial-grade PP and HDPE, turning used seals into raw materials for pallets, containers, or even new seals.
Recommended Certified Recyclers
| Company | Location | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA Polymers | Global | Industrial Plastics | Link |
| TerraCycle | Global | Hard-to-recycle plastics, including seals and labels | Link |
| Plastic Energy | Europe | Advanced Recycling | Link |
| ProtegoSeal | China | From production to recycling | Link |
2: Join Manufacturer-Led Seal Take-Back Programs
Some manufacturers now offer programs to collect and recycle used seals in a closed-loop system. This not only reduces your waste but also ensures the plastic is properly processed.
Real Take-Back Programs
- ProtegoSeal : Their used security seals recycling program has recycled over 500,000 seals since its launch
Why Closed-Loop Matters
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports that closed-loop recycling can reduce plastic waste by up to 90% compared to single-use cycles (source).
3: Implement In-House Repurposing Strategies
Used seals can be repurposed internally to minimize new material usage.
Repurposing Applications
Training exercises: Use broken or defective seals for tamper detection simulations in staff training.
Color-coded sorting: Old or used seals can be repurposed to tag bins or equipment for organizational purposes.
Inventory cycles: Assign used seals to mark batches or for non-critical tracking purposes.
4: Adopt Smart Sealing with Digital or RFID Seals
Digital seals embedded with RFID chips offer a reusable, trackable, and secure solution with minimal environmental impact.
Environmental Benefits
- Reusable up to 100 times
- Reduced plastic seal consumption by 4.5 million units/year
5. Educate Your Team
Train your team to understand the environmental impact of used seals and raise awareness about the importance of proper handling. Make sure they are clear on your company's sustainability goals and how these practices align with customer expectations.
Ensure that used seals are never discarded carelessly. Instead, educate staff on how to recycle or repurpose them, contributing to more sustainable practices and better management of old or used security seals.
Challenges in Eco-Disposal of Security Seals
Mixed-Material Issues
Seals with metal components, embedded electronics, or multiple plastics are hard to sort, reducing recyclability.
Lack of Coding
Most seals lack visible resin identification codes, confusing general recycling protocols.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Eco Disposal
Although biodegradable seals and digital solutions have higher initial costs, the return on investment (ROI) comes from brand value, compliance, and waste disposal savings.
Breakdown Table
| Method | Initial Cost | Annual Saving Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Biodegradable Seals | +15% | Reduction in compliance fines & waste fees |
| RFID Seals | +40% | Loss prevention & seal reuse |
Conclusion: The Long-Term Value of Green Seal Practices
Eco-friendly handling of used security seals is not just an environmental obligation but also a business opportunity. By combining smart sourcing, employee training, and recycling partnerships, your business can lead in both sustainability and operational excellence.
FAQs
1. Can I recycle all types of security seals?
No. Only single-material seals made from recyclable plastics like HDPE or PP are easily recycled.
2. Are RFID seals cost-effective?
Yes, in high-volume or high-security environments. Reusability offsets upfront investment.
3. What if my local area has no industrial plastic recycling?
Use global partners like TerraCycle, or return seals to manufacturers offering take-back programs.
4. Is eco-disposal legally required?
Increasingly yes. Regulations like the EU SUP Directive enforce responsibility in plastic usage and disposal.
