Alexei Volkov
Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) are self-contained, individual field ration packs used by military personnel. They were first introduced for use in the US military in 1981 and have since undergone several design updates. MREs are packaged in plastic, which has raised concerns about their environmental impact and recyclability. While in theory, almost all plastic can be recycled, various barriers exist in practice, including economic and technical challenges, especially when dealing with multiple types of plastic and layers that are difficult to separate.
Are MRE Plastics Recyclable?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| MRE packaging material | Plastic and aluminium foil |
| Recyclability of MRE plastics | Recyclable in theory, but not always in practice due to economic and technical barriers |
| Most widely recycled plastic globally | PET |
| Countries with high PET recycling rates | India, Europe, and South Korea |
| Countries with low PET recycling rates | US and China |
| Alternative uses of recycled PET | Fashion items, carpets, backpacks, construction material |
| Other easily recyclable plastics | HDPE and PP |
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What You'll Learn
MRE packaging is made of plastic and aluminium foil layers
MREs, or Meals, Ready-to-Eat, were first introduced for use in the US military in 1981. Since then, the MRE bag has undergone several design changes, including updates to the bag's colour and graphics. The MRE package is officially known as a tri-laminate retort pouch.
The pouch is a flexible can made out of thick aluminium foil and plastic layers. The aluminium foil and plastic layers are essential in the canning process, which is a common food preservation technology. The food is boiled in the can to kill all bacteria and then sealed to prevent any new bacteria from entering. This process ensures the food does not spoil until the can is opened.
MREs have a finite shelf life, which depends on the storage temperature. For example, an MRE stored at 100 degrees Fahrenheit will last only a few months, while one stored at room temperature will last three years. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life even further. The flat shape of the pouch is advantageous during processing, as it takes less time to heat the contents to the point of sterilisation, resulting in a better-tasting product.
While MREs have been praised for their portability and adaptability, there are concerns about the amount of one-time-use plastic they contain. Some people are interested in finding alternatives to reduce the amount of plastic in their MREs or opt for more environmentally friendly options. German MREs, for example, are said to contain little to no plastic, with packaging made primarily of aluminium.
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![Genuine USGI Individual MRE [Meal, Ready to Eat] Inspection Date 01/2024 or Newer - You Choose Menu - Complete Ration with Entree, Snacks, Dessert, Drink Mix, Utensils, Condiments and FRH. (#24 Southwest Beef and Beans)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61xfJs6erLL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Plastic recycling rates vary across countries
Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) are packaged in flexible cans made of thick aluminium foil and plastic layers. The plastic packaging of MREs is a cause for concern for environmentally conscious consumers. While some countries have made significant progress in reducing plastic waste, recycling rates vary worldwide, and plastic production continues to increase.
Over the last two decades, plastic waste recycling has increased globally, with OECD countries in the European Union, India, and China leading this growth. By 2019, recycling rates in these regions were 12-13%. Non-OECD Asian countries and Latin America have also improved, but at a slower pace. In contrast, the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa have lagged, with the US reaching only a 4.5% recycling rate by 2019.
Several factors contribute to the variation in plastic recycling rates across countries. One crucial aspect is consumer awareness and education. Consumers play a vital role in plastic recycling, but many people lack knowledge about plastic waste and recycling. Surveys reveal that only about half of the respondents received education about recycling in school, and many remain unsure about what can and cannot be recycled in their region. This uncertainty hinders their ability to make informed decisions about waste management.
Additionally, the lack of access to waste management and recycling facilities in certain regions poses a significant challenge. Over two billion people worldwide lack access to essential waste management services, let alone specialised recycling facilities. As a result, they have no choice but to burn or dump their trash, contributing to environmental degradation. Furthermore, even when recycling infrastructure exists, it may not accept all types of plastics, limiting the effectiveness of recycling efforts.
The methods used to measure recycling rates also contribute to the variation across countries. Some reports measure recycling rates per capita, while others use weight or specific plastic types. Some countries only record the amount of plastic collected for recycling, not the amount actually recycled, making the data less accurate. Illegal and unofficial plastic dumping further complicates the issue, making it difficult to accurately assess the true scope of plastic waste entering the environment.
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Plastic recycling is undermined by economic and technical barriers
Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) are often packaged in pouches made of thick aluminium foil and plastic layers. They are designed for convenience and long shelf life, but the use of plastic packaging contributes to environmental concerns.
Plastic recycling is a widely promoted solution to counter plastic waste. However, it faces significant economic and technical barriers that hinder its effectiveness in addressing the growing issue of plastic pollution.
One of the primary economic barriers is the low cost of virgin plastics compared to recycled plastics. Fossil-fuel-derived plastics are often cheaper to produce than recycled plastic feedstock, creating a market disincentive for the utilisation of recycled materials. This issue is exacerbated by the complexity of plastic products, which vary in grade and composition, requiring recyclers to create different recycled grades, thereby increasing costs.
Technical challenges also impede the progress of plastic recycling. The absence of standardised classifications for traded goods, such as the Harmonized System (HS), which does not currently differentiate between hard-to-recycle and easy-to-recycle plastic waste, or between virgin and recycled plastics, complicates the identification of traded waste for circular economy objectives. Additionally, missing information on materials' properties, including potentially harmful additives, can pose risks during the mechanical recycling process, impacting human and ecological health.
Furthermore, the lack of consistent global policies and international collaboration hinders effective plastic recycling. Varying standards and regulations across borders create challenges in recycled plastic production, use, and labelling, impeding the development of a cohesive circular plastics economy.
While recycling is an important step towards reducing plastic waste, addressing these economic and technical barriers is crucial to achieving a more sustainable future. This includes reducing plastic production and consumption, improving waste management, and exploring alternative sustainable materials.
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Some plastics are easier to recycle than others
Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) are often packaged in plastic. However, not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recyclability. Some plastics are easier to recycle than others due to various factors, including their chemical composition, the presence of additives, and the availability of recycling infrastructure.
One of the most widely recycled plastics globally is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is commonly used in beverage bottles and is relatively easy to recycle. It can be transformed into various products, including new bottles, fashion items such as polar fleece clothing, backpacks, and carpets. However, despite its recyclability, some countries, like the US and China, struggle to achieve high PET recycling rates.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is another plastic that is widely accepted at recycling centers worldwide. HDPE is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is often used in shampoo bottles and other containers. Recycled HDPE can be transformed into new products, such as auto parts, plastic lumber, and industrial applications.
On the other hand, some plastics pose challenges for recycling. For instance, products made from multiple types of plastic or different layers can be difficult and costly to separate, hindering the recycling process. Additionally, certain additives used in plastics, such as flame retardants or colorants, can complicate the recycling process and reduce the likelihood of successful recycling.
It is worth noting that alternatives to plastic packaging do exist for MREs. For example, German MREs are reportedly packaged in aluminium, and some people opt for reusable containers and flatware to reduce their plastic waste. While complete recycling of all plastics may not always be feasible, conscious efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle can collectively contribute to more sustainable waste management.
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Recycled plastics are used in various products
Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) are primarily packaged in plastic pouches, though some German MREs are packed in aluminium. While it is unclear whether the plastic used in MRE packaging is recyclable, recycling plastic in general is becoming more popular. New technologies have improved the quality and appearance of recycled goods.
Recycled low-density polyethylene is used in products such as film, sheeting, and shipping envelopes. Recycled polyvinyl chloride is used for manufacturing resilient and flexible goods like garden hoses, mud flaps, and traffic cones. It is also used for more rigid items such as decking, floor tiles, and plumbing pipes. Recycled polystyrene is used for packing cartons and other protective packaging.
Trash bags made from recycled plastic are also becoming more common, as they are reliable and convenient while requiring less energy to manufacture, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Some countertops are made from recycled high-density polyethylene plastic. Overall, the use of recycled plastics in various products is becoming more widespread, which is a positive step towards sustainability.
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Frequently asked questions
MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat) are often packaged in pouches made of thick aluminium foil and plastic layers. While aluminium is widely recycled, not all types of plastic are.
The most widely recycled plastic in the world is PET, which is relatively easy to recycle. However, many countries are struggling to reach decent recycling rates. Other recyclable plastics include HDPE, one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle, and rPP, which is often used in plastic lumbers, park benches, auto parts, and speed bumps.
Plastics numbered 6 and 7 are never recycled. Additionally, products made from multiple types of plastic or different layers can be difficult and costly to recycle.
