If you’re a little confused about cardboard animal bedding, you’re not alone!
Cardboard animal bedding is presented as “environmentally friendly” – which it is. That leads many to conclude that it’s made of cardboard that has been recycled after consumer use.
Airlite Cardboard Bedding is a premium animal environment product made of “pre-consumer” cardboard, not “recycled” cardboard.
What’s the difference?
Pre-Consumer Cardboard
Pre-consumer cardboard refers to unused cardboard that has been discarded during the manufacturing or packaging process. This material has not yet reached consumers or undergone exposure to potential contaminants. Airlite Cardboard Bedding is made of pre-consumer cardboard.
Recycled cardboard is sourced from post-consumer waste and processed for re-use.
Pre-consumer cardboard is cleaner and free of inks, adhesives, or residues commonly found in recycled materials.
Benefits of Pre-Consumer Cardboard for Animal Bedding
Chemical-Free and Safe Recycled cardboard often contains residues of inks, glues, and other chemicals that can pose health risks to animals. These substances might irritate the skin, cause respiratory issues, or even lead to more severe health problems if ingested.
Pre-consumer cardboard, on the other hand, is generally free from such contaminants, making it a safer choice for animal bedding.
Soft and Comfortable Pre-consumer cardboard tends to have a consistent texture and quality, providing a soft and absorbent bedding material. Its uniformity makes it particularly suitable for animals that benefit from a comfortable surface to rest.
Performance horses are clearly in this category because quality rest and sleep are critical to their recovery from exercise and their mental well-being. Just like people, all animals benefit from a comfortable place to rest and relax.
High Absorbency Clean and unprocessed cardboard has excellent moisture-wicking properties. It can effectively absorb liquids, keeping the animal’s environment dry and reducing the risk of bacterial growth, which is essential for preventing diseases.
Pre-Consumer Cardboard Has Less Dust
Minimal Dust One of the drawbacks of recycled cardboard is the potential for dust and fine particles generated during the recycling process. Dust can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems. This is particularly true in animals with sensitive respiratory systems – like horses.
Airlite Cardboard Bedding is made of pre-consumer material that has virtually no dust. This ensures healthier air quality in the stall, throughout the stable and in any animal enclosure.
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable While recycled materials are often promoted for their eco-friendly attributes, pre-consumer cardboard also contributes to sustainability by reducing industrial waste.
Re-purposing pre-consumer cardboard for animal bedding prevents it from being discarded, providing a practical and sustainable solution without the risks associated with recycling processes.
In fact, using pre-consumer cardboard to make Airlite bedding saves natural resources. Recycling one ton of cardboard to re-pulp it for other purposes requires 390 kWh of energy and 1.1 barrel of oil.
Why Pre-Consumer Cardboard Is Better Than Recycled Cardboard
Purity: Recycled cardboard undergoes various chemical treatments and processes that can introduce unwanted residues. Conversely, pre-consumer cardboard remains in its natural, untreated state.
Durability: Pre-consumer cardboard often retains its structural integrity better than recycled cardboard, making it longer-lasting as bedding material.
Hygiene: Pre-consumer cardboard is not exposed to potential contaminants, making it more hygienic for animal environments.
The Cardboard Farmer
Green Horse Brandssources its material from reputable suppliers who specialize in providing clean, unused cardboard specifically for animal care. Founder Joe Mackenzie considers himself a “cardboard farmer.” He devotes much of his time to cultivating and maintaining relationships with providers of the cleanest, most pristine pre-consumer cardboard.
This enables owners and caregivers to prioritize the health and well-being of their animals while also contributing to environmental sustainability. This powerful combination has enabled Green Horse Brands and Airlite Cardboard Bedding to lead the way in creating healthy animal environments. Loyal customers range from Olympic equestrians and large zoo and livestock facilities to individual horse and animal owners.
