Can you recycle Christmas Crackers?
For so many of us, crackers hold a special place among the traditions of Christmas and other festive occasions throughout the year. Not surprisingly, in recent times as environmental consciousness grows, many people are beginning to ask whether Christmas crackers (or bonbons, as we call them here at Bonbon Fusion) can be recycled. So, in this blog we delve into the components of Christmas crackers, their recyclability, and how to make more eco-friendly choices when it comes to selecting your bonbons.
What’s inside Christmas Crackers?
If you’re new to bonbons or in case you missed it, our May blog gives a full rundown on the contents of these fun festive items. Traditionally, Christmas crackers consist of a cardboard tube wrapped in decorative paper and sealed with a twisted ribbon or paper at each end. When pulled apart, they produce a small "crack" sound, hence the name. Inside, you usually find a paper hat, a small plastic toy or novelty, a joke or riddle on a slip of paper, and sometimes a tiny gift.
Of course, there are many varieties on this theme (we’ll get to this 😊!) but, for the moment, we’re sticking with the traditional.
Recycling Christmas Cracker Components
To understand whether Christmas crackers can be recycled, let’s first break down their components:
- Cardboard Tube: The cardboard tube is usually recyclable. Most cardboard can be recycled as long as it is clean and dry. It can be placed in the regular recycling bin.
- Wrapping Paper: The outer wrapping paper can be more problematic. If the paper is simple and free of metallic finishes, glitter, or plastic coatings, it can usually be recycled. However, many Christmas crackers feature elaborate designs that are not recyclable. In such cases, the paper should be disposed of in the general waste bin.
- Paper Hat: These are typically made from tissue paper, which is generally recyclable. However, tissue paper is often too thin to be recycled through regular municipal programs, so it might need to be composted or disposed of in the general waste bin, depending on local guidelines.
- Plastic Toys/Novelties: Unfortunately, these small plastic items are often not recyclable. They are typically made from mixed plastics, which are difficult to recycle and usually end up in landfills.
- Jokes and Paper Slips: These are usually made from standard paper and can be recycled with other paper products.
- Ribbons and Decorations: Ribbons are typically not recyclable, especially if made from plastic or metallic materials. They should be reused or disposed of in general waste.
Making More Sustainable Choices
Given that not all components of Christmas crackers are recyclable, here are some suggestions for making more sustainable choices:
- Eco-Friendly Christmas Crackers: Look for Christmas crackers made from recycled materials and those that are fully recyclable. Many companies are now producing eco-friendly crackers with minimal plastic and using recyclable paper and cardboard. (Check out our Bonbon Fusion varieties below.)
- DIY Christmas Crackers: Making your own Christmas crackers can be a fun and sustainable alternative. Use recyclable or reusable materials such as plain paper or fabric. Fill them with eco-friendly surprises like wooden toys, seeds for planting, or homemade treats.
- Recyclable Decorations: Choose crackers with simple, recyclable decorations. Avoid those with glitter, metallic finishes, or plastic embellishments.
- Reuse and Repurpose: Save ribbons, paper hats, and other reusable items for future use. Even the jokes and riddles can be saved and shared again, reducing waste.
- Recycling Correctly: Be diligent about separating recyclable parts from non-recyclable ones. Ensure that cardboard tubes, paper slips, and any recyclable wrapping paper are placed in the correct recycling bins.
- Eco-snaps: Traditional Christmas crackers often rely on the use of chemicals (specifically silver fulminate) to produce the signature loud snaps. Look for crackers offering eco or silent snap alternatives.
The Bonbon Fusion Commitment to Sustainability
Here at Bonbon Fusion, we understand the importance of preserving our planet for future generations. That's why we’re proud to share our unwavering commitment to the three pillars of environmental responsibility: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. These principles guide our business practices and demonstrate our dedication to minimising our ecological footprint while providing top-quality products to our valued customers.
Reduce
We believe in minimising waste from the very start of manufacture. To achieve this, we've taken significant steps to reduce the extraneous plastic in our packaging. Our eco-conscious packaging design not only ensures your order arrives safely but also reduces plastic waste, helping to protect our environment.
Recyclable Bonbon Fusion Boxes
Furthermore, in our manufacturing process, we employ PLA (Polylactic Acid), a biodegradable and starch-based plastic, for 3D printing our components. 3D printing as a manufacturing process produces very little waste material (compared to conventional alternatives). These sustainable choices allow us to produce high-quality products while minimising the impact on the planet.
Reuse
At Bonbon Fusion, we reuse manufacturing materials at every opportunity. Additionally, by designing delightful bonbon contents that can be kept as keepsakes, we enable our customers to contribute to the culture of reuse. (Try hiding treasures in some of the Adventure Hunt “pièces de résistance”, such as a $20 note in Captain Bonbon’s Treasure Chest, and then, at some stage, it’s a case of finders keepers, don’t you think?!)
Recycle
One thing we’re also really committed to is closing the recycling loop and preventing unnecessary waste from ending up in landfills. To make this happen, we’ve gone one step beyond the mainstream by actively accepting the return of any bonbon contents that our customers no longer wish to keep. Our convenient return process allows you to deliver these items back to us, either in person or by mail. Plus, we provide a 15% discount on your next order! This not only helps reduce waste but also rewards your eco-friendly efforts. Check out how to return your components here!
Beyond the 3D printed artefacts, all our bonbons and packaging contents (except tissue-paper hats) are paper-based and can be recycled in a regular recycling bin.
