At Hotbox, we understand as a manufacturer that we can have a significant impact on the environment, in a positive way. That’s why we’re committed to making sustainability a priority in every step of our product development. By incorporating certified eco-friendly materials and adhering to stringent environmental standards, we’re doing our part to create a greener future.
The Plastic Waste Problem in the UK
Plastic waste is a serious issue, particularly in the UK, where over 5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, making it one of the highest per capita plastic waste producers in the world. The most common types of plastic waste include plastic packaging, single-use items like straws and cutlery, and plastic bottles. Unfortunately, less than 10% of the plastic waste in the UK is recycled domestically, with much of it sent overseas or incinerated, contributing to pollution and climate change.
To combat this, the UK government has introduced measures such as banning single-use plastics, the Plastic Packaging Tax, and a goal to eliminate avoidable plastic waste by 2042. Local councils and businesses are also stepping up, helping to recycle more plastic and reduce reliance on virgin materials.
At Hotbox, we are contributing to these efforts by choosing materials certified for sustainability and offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic products.
Why We Use Certified Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics
We believe that using post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics is a key part of solving the plastic waste crisis. PCR plastics are sourced from items that have already been used and discarded, such as plastic bottles and packaging. By incorporating PCR plastics into our products like the Hotbox 1, Hotbox 4, Adapt, Flow, Shuttle, Utility Pouch and Folio we help reduce waste and lessen the need for virgin plastic production.
How Certified PCR Plastics Help the Environment
- Reducing Plastic Waste: By recycling used plastics, we keep them out of landfills and oceans, helping to reduce pollution.
- Lower Resource Consumption: Manufacturing recycled plastic requires less water, energy, and raw materials than producing new plastic.
- Decreasing Carbon Footprint: Using recycled plastics emits significantly fewer greenhouse gases than producing virgin plastics, making it a more climate-friendly choice.
Our commitment to responsible sourcing is validated by industry certifications, such as EUCertPlast and Global Recycle Standard (GRS). The Sequal initiative, which focuses on transforming ocean plastic waste into high-quality fibers, is another important step in reducing ocean pollution while offering durable, eco-conscious materials. All of these certifications ensure that our PCR plastic materials meet rigorous sustainability standards, providing you with peace of mind that your Hotbox products are part of a circular economy.
Sustainable Alternatives: Natural Materials and Certifications
In addition to PCR plastics, we incorporate natural, renewable materials like wool, flax and hemp into our Utility Case and Hotbox 2 Fabric Covers. These materials provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibres and are biodegradable, making them a far eco-friendlier choice.
The Benefits of Certified Natural Materials
- Lower Environmental Impact: Natural fibres require fewer chemicals and energy during production compared to synthetic fibres.
- Biodegradability: Unlike plastic, natural materials decompose naturally without leaving harmful residues in the environment.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Many natural materials can be grown and harvested responsibly, ensuring minimal impact on ecosystems.
Our use of sustainable materials is validated by certifications such as the EU Ecolabel and LEED v3 and v4 which guarantee that our products meet high standards for environmental responsibility.
Hotbox Products That Make a Difference
At Hotbox, we incorporate these sustainable practices into all our products, offering a range of eco-friendly workplace solutions that are functional, stylish, and kind to the planet.
- Hotbox 1: Made from PCR plastic waste, this compact caddy is perfect for organising your workspace while reducing your environmental footprint.
- Hotbox 4: A versatile, sustainable workspace solution crafted from eco-friendly materials, ideal for remote working or hot-desking.
- Adapt: A multi-functional backpack and messenger bag in one made with recycled content, designed for flexibility in any workspace.
- Flow: This lightweight and durable messenger bag is created with recycled materials, combining mobility with sustainability.
- Shuttle: A large capacity backpack crafted from sustainable materials.
- Utility Pouch and Folio: Designed with recycled materials, these accessories offer stylish and sustainable organisation.
- Utility Case: A durable case designed with natural fibres, perfect for protecting and storing your tech & stationery essentials.
- Hotbox 2 Fabric Covers: Made from sustainable materials, these interchangeable covers for your Hotbox 2 add a touch of personal style while reducing your environmental impact.
How Our Certified Eco-Friendly Products Make a Difference
By choosing Hotbox products made from certified post-consumer recycled plastic and natural materials, you’re not just creating a more flexible and productive working environment for employees - you’re also helping the planet. Our certifications ensure that the materials used in our products are sustainably sourced and meet international standards for environmental responsibility.
The Environmental Benefits of Our Certified Products
- Waste Reduction: By recycling plastic and using biodegradable materials, we help reduce the strain on landfills and prevent plastic from entering oceans.
- Energy Conservation: Manufacturing recycled plastic and natural materials uses less energy than producing virgin plastic, reducing our energy footprint.
- Lower Carbon Emissions: Our production processes release fewer greenhouse gases, helping combat climate change.
- Circular Economy: Our use of certified materials supports a circular economy, where products are designed for reuse, recycling, or decomposition.
Certifications Driving Sustainability
To ensure we’re leading by example, we incorporate materials that meet industry-leading environmental standards, backed by these key certifications:
- Circulen Recover: These polymers are created through a mechanical process guaranteeing that the plastic waste we use is responsibly sourced and processed in line with circular economy principles, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
- Sequal: Sequal-certified products use fibres made from upcycled marine plastic, reducing ocean pollution.
- EUCertPlast: This EU certification focuses on the quality and traceability of recycled plastic, ensuring that our PCR materials meet European environmental standards.
- Global Recycle Standard (GRS): GRS certification guarantees that the recycled content in our products is responsibly sourced and that sustainable practices are maintained throughout the supply chain.
- EU Ecolabel: Products with this certification meet high environmental standards throughout their life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, ensuring lower environmental impacts.
Our Vision for a Sustainable Future
At Hotbox, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design. As we continue to develop our range of workplace caddies, bags, and accessories, we’ll keep sourcing materials that are not only environmentally responsible but also certified for their positive impact. We’re always searching for new ways to reduce waste, lower our carbon footprint, and offer stylish, eco-conscious products for the modern workspace.
Why Choosing Hotbox Matters
Making the shift toward eco-friendly materials is more than a trend—it’s a responsibility. By choosing Hotbox products, you’re making a difference. You’re supporting sustainable practices, reducing waste, and helping to protect the environment for future generations.
Together, we can build a healthier planet—one workplace accessory at a time.
Learn more - download our Sustainability Brochure here.