Abstract: A refurbishable cushioned spool suitable for storing and transporting an extended object. In one embodiment, the spool includes a cushioning material which is removably attached to the cylindrical body portion of the spool. In one embodiment, the cushioning material is held to the spool body by double sided tape. The invention also relates to a method of refurbishing a cushioned spool, including the steps of providing instructions to an end user to return the cushionable spool to a refurbishing center once the extended object has been removed from the spool; inspecting the spool for damage, refurbishing or repairing the cushioned spool; reusing the spool until the end of the useful lifetime of the spool; and thereafter recycling at least a portion of the cushioned spool.

Abstract: A cushioned shipping assembly includes a carton and foam inserts to support a product shipped by a supplier, which elements are successively returned by an end user to be reused in the same or other shipping assembly, while various components are recycled as they become spent. In some embodiments, the carton collapses to a diminished size for return. A resource center reroutes or refurbishes the components, recycling aged or spend pieces. On-premises pelletizing of reclaimed polymer provides a more efficient, environmentally clean system. Spent inserts of identified polymer may be diverted to users of specific resins.