When choosing cable ties that have the least environmental impact, the most important things to consider are how they are made, whether they are reusable, their lifespan and if they are recyclable.
Are cable ties eco-friendly?
No cable ties are 100% eco-friendly. This is because of what they are made from, how they are manufactured, transported, and how they are eventually disposed of. Making cable ties involves a manufacturing process which takes materials such as metal, nylon and various textiles to form the end product. As with most manufacturing activities, this produces carbon emissions due to all the processes involved, not forgetting packaging, shipping and transport to warehouses.
However, there are some cable ties where the environmental impact has been more considered, compared to traditional single use nylon cable ties. This guide will explain the different options available.
Are cable ties recyclable?
Nylon plastic cable ties are not recyclable. They cannot be recycled in standard local council recycling facilities because they are made of nylon. They should be disposed of in household waste.
Stainless steel cable ties can be recycled at scrap metal merchants.
Are there any sustainable cable ties?
No cable ties are better than others in terms of the material used, whether they are single use or biodegradable. There is no sustainable alternative material, as all current available cable ties have some impact on the environment.
The most sustainable option when it comes to cable ties is to reuse them as often as possible. This extends the life cycle of the product and reduces waste because it reduces reliance on single use products.
Reusable cable ties
Releasable reusable cable ties are a good option if you want to reduce the long-term impact of your cable ties on the environment, compared to standard cable ties.
They are a good alternative because they are designed to be reopened and reused hundreds of times. This means that there is a lot less waste than if you used a new standard cable each time.
They have a quick release mechanism which makes it easy to remove and secure them, without the need for scissors. They’re available in black, white, red, blue, green and yellow and can be printed on.
Biodegradable cable ties
The material in these white biodegradable cable ties will eventually break down into the environment. It takes at least two years for them to decompose after being exposed to UV light, heat, moisture and microorganisms.
They are most suited to being used for events and activities held outdoors, such as festivals, construction, landscaping and agriculture.
Using these cable ties reduces waste that you would otherwise get from standard nylon cable ties. However, there is still a minor impact on the environment from the decomposition of the ties.
Hook and loop cable ties
Hook and loop cable ties are similar to reusable cable ties in that they are made to be used over and over again.
The main difference is in their design and material - they use a hook and loop material (textile nylon).
They also come in a pack of mixed colours, including black, blue, green, red and yellow, so they are perfect for using around the home to organise cables.
Printed cable ties
Printed cable ties are ideal for large scale events such as festivals or conferences.
They can be printed with a brand name to make it easier to identify them when clearing up and collecting waste at the end of the event.
Using identifiable ties means that suppliers can easily take ownership of reducing waste, which is important when reducing business carbon emissions.
We sell a wide variety of low-cost, high-quality cable ties perfect for hundreds of applications at work or at home. If you have any questions about our range of cable ties, please get in touch on live chat, by email at sales@gtse.co.uk or by phone on 012346 386126.