Contamination of goods can and has resulted in large amounts of waste at a great cost to the environment. The roll of some Harcor's products such as security seals, protect the supply chain against theft and contamination.

Harcor has also taken steps to positively impact the environment:

Collaboration 

Harcor has networked with plastic recycling companies resulting in recycling of products supplied to government authorities and commercial businesses. The team will continue to assist customers with recycling initiatives. We encourage all customers to contact us should they require advice. In some instances, the pickup and recycling has been at no cost to clients. The cost will depend on material, volume and location in relation to the recycling company. 

Education

Many products that Harcor supply are recyclable. An initiative is ongoing to aid clients in making environmentally friendly decisions. To this end a resource is being developed to index relevant products and their recycling codes. Information, when relevant, will be published on product webpages to promote recycling. An example of this is the list of security seals made entirely of polypropylene. Security seals are often made from materials that can recycled. We encourage you to contact the team for information on the products that you are interested in.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Unlike competitors, Harcor is unique, being a local seal printer. It is far more environmentally friendly to print and ship small volume orders nationally then to frequently import small orders. It is not always avoidable but as a result of Harcor’s seal stamping operation, the requirement for international freight is substantially reduced. 

Operational

Having staff that are environmental advocates has resulted in an environmentally positive workplace. Recycling and reusable kitchen wares have replaced disposable items. Like many other businesses, not only being environmentally aware but also finding ways to make a difference, no matter how big or small is encouraged.

Honesty - regarding the term biodegradable  

Harcor will not use the term biodegradable as a marketing gimmick. Other companies' security seals that are titled as biodegradable in Australia would not be labelled as such in countries that have legislation stating that if the material does not break down within 5 years, it cannot be classed as biodegradable.

Recycling is an environmentally friendly alternative, and for many clients is a more feasible option than composting. This is due to the industrial composting requirements such as the capacity to heat the 'biodegradable' material to a high enough temperature where microbes can break the material down.

Unfortunately this extra process is not always made clear by suppliers and is not viable for all consumers. This is due to prohibited access to industrial composting facilities with the necessary capabilities.  

Many people believe all products that are labelled as biodegradable will self-decay once disposed of.

If you find a security seal that is marketed as being biodegradable, a good rule of thumb would be to always ask about how the material breaks down and retains its strength! 

A biodegradable additive can be added to plastic products that increases the ability for microbes to naturally consume the plastic. We do offer this and are upfront about the composting process. A minimum order quantity could apply.    

Harcor is always ready to assist our clients with information regarding the biodegradable processes and recycling options of our products.