Closed Loop Recycling

Ever wondered what happens to your recycling once it leaves your business? With First Mile, it could come right back to you in the form of something brand new.

Closed loop recycling is a process where waste materials are recycled back into new products of the same type. It keeps valuable resources in use for longer and reduces the need for virgin materials.

At First Mile, we help businesses across the UK take part in the circular economy by collecting, sorting and reprocessing waste so it becomes a useful resource again. From recycled packaging to sustainable business solutions, we make it simple to close the loop.

What is closed-loop recycling and why does it matter?

You might be wondering, what is closed-loop recycling? It’s a process where waste materials are recycled back into new products of the same type, such as used paper becoming new copier paper, or old glass bottles turning into brand-new ones.

This approach helps build a true circular economy, keeping materials in use for longer and reducing the need for new resources. It’s one of the most effective ways to cut waste, lower emissions and make smarter use of what’s already been produced.

For any sustainable business in the UK, closed-loop recycling supports national net zero goals and shows real commitment to responsible resource management. It’s practical, measurable and good for both the planet and your bottom line.

How First Mile’s closed-loop recycling works

Closed-loop recycling with First Mile is simple, transparent and built for impact. We handle every step of the recycling process to make sure your waste materials become valuable recycled products ready for reuse.

Here’s how it works:

collection

We collect your business waste through reliable local services across the UK.

sorting

Our facilities separate different materials like cardboard, paper and plastics for accurate recycling.

reprocess

Sorted materials are cleaned and transformed into raw recycled materials.

product creation

These materials are used to make new products of the same kind, such as bottles, boxes or paper.

reuse

The products re-enter the market, completing the loop.

Our closed-loop recycling service

Explore our practical solutions designed to close the loop for your business. Each one helps you turn waste into useful products and supports a shift towards sustainable packaging and greener operations.

Choose from a range of closed-loop solutions, including:

Recycled copier paper – turn your used paper into new, high-quality copier paper.
Recycled coffee cup notebooks and stationery – give single-use cups a second life as notebooks and office essentials.
Refurbished consumer electronics – extend the life of tech products by repairing and reusing components.
Recycled plastic pellets – ideal for creating a variety of new, custom plastic items.
Plastic beer keg refurbishment scheme for food and beverage – clean, repair and refill kegs to cut waste and cost.
Polybags for clothing made from recycled poly bags collected from your store – perfect for retail and fashion businesses aiming to reduce single-use plastics.
Cardboard recycled into new products within 14 days of collection – fast, traceable recycling for packaging and paper waste.

The benefits of closing the loop

Closing the loop is great for the planet and for business. When you recycle materials back into new products, you unlock environmental, operational and reputational gains that make your company stronger and more sustainable.

Here’s how your business benefits:

Reduce waste to landfill and help create a cleaner environment.
Cut your carbon footprint by reusing existing materials instead of sourcing new ones.
Meet sustainability and ESG goals with measurable, circular results.

Showcase your green credentials to customers, partners and investors.
Save money by using cost-effective recycled materials and lowering waste disposal fees.
Strengthen your sustainable business model with long-term waste reduction strategies.

Explore more ways to cut waste with our waste reduction solutions. By working with First Mile, you’ll make meaningful progress towards your environmental targets and show real leadership in circular innovation.

Start your closed loop recycling journey

Here’s how closed loop recycling could work for your business.

Imagine a large food and beverage company partnering with First Mile to recycle plastic kegs from its operations. Once collected, the kegs would be cleaned, inspected and refurbished for reuse. Instead of going to waste, each keg could return to the production cycle, saving money and reducing carbon emissions.

This example shows how a circular approach can make a real difference. Businesses can also see similar results with our cardboard recycling and paper recycling services.

Get in touch to find out how your waste can become your next resource. You can also explore how we tackle single use plastics recycling and paper towels recycling across UK businesses. Start your closed loop recycling journey today.

Join the circular economy with First Mile

Closing the loop is about more than recycling. It’s about creating lasting change for your business and the planet. When you partner with First Mile, you gain an experienced recycling partner who helps you meet sustainability goals and make waste reduction simple.

Ready to close the loop? Speak to our team today to discover how your recycling can create something new.

Get in touch to learn more about how First Mile’s recycling solutions can help your business

Closed loop recycling FAQs

What is the difference between closed loop and open loop recycling?

Closed loop recycling turns materials back into the same type of product. For example, used paper becomes new copier paper or plastic bottles become new bottles. Open loop recycling changes waste into different products, often of lower quality or limited reusability.

Can all materials be recycled in a closed loop system?

Not all materials can be fully recycled this way. Glass, metals and some plastics are ideal for closed loop recycling because they can be reprocessed many times without losing quality.

Mixed or contaminated waste usually enters open loop systems instead. First Mile focuses on materials that can achieve true circular reuse.

How can my business start with closed loop recycling?

It is simple. Partner with First Mile to assess your waste streams and find closed loop opportunities. We provide collection, recycling and product reuse solutions that help you reach your sustainability goals quickly and effectively.