In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts Damian Polak and Vic D’Arcy sit down with Zac Fratkin of Used Cardboard Boxes to explore a surprisingly powerful circular economy opportunity: large-scale cardboard reuse.
Damian and Vic unpack how UCB rescues millions of boxes and Gaylord totes before they’re crushed, pulped, and remanufactured, a recycling loop Zac says wastes enormous amounts of energy, chemicals, and carbon. Instead, UCB keeps boxes in use, helping companies slash corrugate costs, turn recycling expenses into revenue, and dramatically reduce environmental impact.
Zac explains why high-volume manufacturers are ideal reuse partners, how food-grade inspection works, and why standardizing packaging could transform the entire industry. The hosts also dive into UCB’s new technology platform, Boomerang, which brings transparency and modern efficiency to the largely analog world of packaging reuse.
From nearly 9 million trees saved to a vision where Amazon drivers collect used boxes like old-school milk bottles, this episode challenges the myth that recycling is the “best” sustainability option. Zac argues that true circularity starts with reuse, not convenience-driven single-stream recycling.
By the end, listeners will see how intentional design, smart logistics, and accessible tech can turn cardboard into one of the most impactful circular materials in the world.
Visit our website to learn more: allthingscircular.com
Connect with Vic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-d-arcy-aa84b51/
Connect with Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianpolak/
Connect with Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacfratkin/
SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW ALONG!
Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Eco-Friendly, Recycling, Zero Waste, Environmentalism, Green Economy, Climate Change, Business Sustainability, Waste Management, Renewable Resources, Eco-Innovation, Supply Chain, Business, Circularity, Environmental Impact, Life Cycle Assessment, Upcycling, Downcycling, Closed Loop System, Sustainable Practices, Resource Recovery, Circular Strategies, Podcast, Alternative Materials, Reverse Logistics, ITAD, Lifecycle Services, Product Sourcing, and more!