Shipping relies upon several different types of materials that may or may not be recyclable. For instance, the cardboard boxes that items are shipped in are highly recyclable, and the shipping industry actually saves money when cardboard resources are supported by recycled paper fiber.
On the other hand, the Styrofoam and plastic bags that are also very commonly used to cushion goods while in shipment are not typically recyclable. The only option is to re-use such materials, which can be done indefinitely unless the supplies run out.
Lastly, the cost of shipping can be partially off-set by reusing shipping materials. In fact, the energy savings that are enjoyed as a result of increased rates of recycling can help cushion the blow of higher shipping costs. Recycling, from both the manufacturing and packaging aspects of the shipping industry, reduces unnecessary costs.
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