Maya Ellison
Plastic pockets are considered soft plastics, which are not recyclable in the yellow bin. Soft plastics include plastic bags, cling wrap, chip packets, bubble wrap, and plastic pockets. These items can be recycled at local supermarkets or dropped off at specific locations, such as the Dynon Road Waste and Recycling Centre in West Melbourne. However, soft plastics should not be placed in the recycling bin as they can get caught in the recycling machinery. Instead, they should be disposed of in the red general waste bin. Some councils are advocating for the state government to invest in appropriate recycling infrastructure for soft plastics, while others are providing collection points for soft plastics as part of a recycling trial. Additionally, companies are shifting towards more sustainable packaging, with some offering 100% recyclable pouches that are approved for drop-off recycling.
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What You'll Learn
Soft plastics can be recycled at some supermarkets
Plastic pockets are considered soft plastics, along with plastic films, plastic bags, and flexible plastics. While soft plastics can be challenging to recycle, they can now be recycled at some supermarkets.
Supermarkets in the UK, such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, and M&S, have introduced in-store soft plastic collection points for customers. This initiative addresses the difficulty of recycling soft plastics through kerbside collection. By taking their soft plastics to these collection points, consumers can ensure that these materials are properly recycled or put to alternative uses, such as energy recovery, instead of ending up in landfills.
The types of soft plastics accepted at supermarkets include bread bags, frozen food bags, crisp packets, pet food pouches, loo roll wrap, chocolate wrappers, peelable film lids, cereal bags, fruit and vegetable bags, and food pouches. It is important to ensure that these items are clean and free of food residue before dropping them off for recycling.
Some supermarkets also offer incentives for customers who participate in their recycling programs. For example, Boots offers 500 Advantage Card points when customers return five empty products to their in-store recycle bins.
While soft plastics recycling is a positive step, it is important to note that there have been concerns about the fate of these collected plastics. Investigations by organizations like Everyday Plastic and the Environmental Investigation Agency have revealed that some supermarkets' soft plastic recycling schemes do not always lead to the expected outcomes. In some cases, the collected soft plastics are burned for energy recovery rather than being recycled. Therefore, it is essential for consumers to stay informed about the practices of different supermarkets and their partnerships with recycling facilities.
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Plastic pockets are soft plastics
While soft plastics can be recycled, they cannot be placed in the recycling bin with other plastics. Soft plastics can break recycling machinery, so they should be disposed of in the general waste bin, which is usually red-lidded. Some local supermarkets may accept soft plastics for recycling, and some councils are providing collection points for soft plastics, although these are usually limited to residents within their municipality due to safe storage capacity limits.
The major supermarkets Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi have formed a Soft Plastics Taskforce to address the issue, and in February 2024, the Taskforce implemented 12 in-store collection points across Melbourne as part of the Soft Plastics Recycling Trial. The City of Boroondara has also introduced a free temporary soft plastic collection and recycling service for small household quantities of soft plastic.
The Flexible Packaging Association notes that flexible packaging uses fewer natural resources and energy to manufacture and transport than other package formats and generates fewer CO2 emissions. Flexible packaging also reduces food waste by extending the shelf life of the product inside. However, the challenge of recycling flexible packaging remains, and more education and infrastructure are needed to help consumers recycle more effectively.
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Soft plastics can damage recycling machinery
Plastic pockets are recyclable, but they are often not recycled due to a lack of awareness about how to recycle them properly. Plastic film, which is commonly used in plastic pockets, cannot be recycled in curbside bins and must be taken to a drop-off location, such as a grocery or retail store, for collection. Some retailers, like ePac, offer recyclable PE-PE High Barrier Film and Pouches that are approved for drop-off recycling.
However, soft plastics, including plastic pockets, can damage recycling machinery. Soft plastics are challenging to recycle, and very few facilities in the UK have the capability to process them effectively. This has led to concerns about the effectiveness of supermarket takeback schemes, as investigations have revealed that a significant portion of soft plastics collected through these schemes are incinerated rather than recycled.
Soft plastics can cause issues in recycling machinery due to their flexible and pliable nature. They can wrap around moving parts, causing blockages and potentially damaging the equipment. This can lead to increased maintenance costs and downtime for repairs, affecting the efficiency of the recycling process.
To address this issue, some recycling facilities employ advanced sorting and processing technologies, such as AI-powered systems and deep learning technologies, to effectively sort and recycle soft plastics. These technologies can identify and separate soft plastics from other materials, ensuring they are properly recycled.
Additionally, consumers can play a crucial role in responsible soft plastics recycling. Proper labeling and communication on packaging can educate consumers about how to dispose of soft plastics appropriately. Initiatives like the How2Recycle icon provide clear instructions on how to recycle different types of packaging, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions.
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Flexible packaging is challenging to recycle
Plastic pockets are considered soft plastics, which are challenging to recycle. Soft plastics include plastic bags, cling wrap, chip packets, bubble wrap, and plastic pockets. They cannot be recycled in the same way as other plastics and must be taken to a specialized drop-off location, such as a grocery or retail store, for proper recycling.
Flexible packaging, such as plastic pouches and films, falls under the category of soft plastics and is therefore challenging to recycle through traditional methods. The Flexible Packaging Association notes that flexible packaging has a "green" production process that uses fewer natural resources and energy while generating fewer CO2 emissions. However, the challenge lies in its end-of-life recyclability.
One significant challenge is that soft plastics cannot be recycled in curbside bins or standard recycling bins. They must be separated and taken to specific drop-off locations, such as supermarkets or dedicated recycling centers. This extra step can be inconvenient for consumers, leading to confusion and improper disposal. Soft plastics should be disposed of in general waste bins or recycled at specialized locations to avoid disrupting the recycling process for other materials.
To address the challenges of recycling flexible packaging, several approaches can be taken. Firstly, proper labeling and communication can educate consumers about how to recycle flexible packaging correctly. Labels such as the How2Recycle icon provide clear instructions on what to do with the package after use, making it easier for consumers to recycle properly. Additionally, websites like How2Recycle.info and RecycleAcrossAmerica.org offer further guidance on recycling labels, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
Another approach is to support programs that help consumers recycle more of the existing flexible packaging. For example, the Soft Plastics Taskforce, formed by major supermarkets, has implemented in-store collection points for soft plastics as part of a recycling trial. This initiative recognizes that reliable, long-term soft plastics recycling programs require sufficient infrastructure and viable end markets for the recycled material.
Furthermore, the development and adoption of eco-friendly materials, such as water-based inks, compostable inks, and recyclable films and resins, can enhance the recyclability of flexible packaging. These materials not only improve the environmental footprint of the packaging but also contribute to a more sustainable flexible plastics packaging recycling ecosystem.
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Eco-friendly inks are used for recyclable pouches
The use of eco-friendly inks for recyclable pouches is an important step towards more sustainable packaging solutions. While not all inks are created equal in terms of environmental impact, eco-friendly inks are designed to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.
Water-based inks, for example, are a popular choice for recyclable pouches due to their biodegradable properties. These inks can be used on compostable packaging materials made from plant-based bioplastics, ensuring that the entire package can be safely composted after use. This reduces waste and supports closed-loop recycling systems. Additionally, water-based inks can be used for solventless lamination, which performs just as well as solvent-based inks while being better for the environment.
Soy-based inks are another eco-friendly option, formulated using soybean oil as a renewable and biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based solvents. By incorporating soybean oil, these inks reduce the emission of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and minimize their environmental impact. Soy inks offer excellent printability, adhesion, and color vibrancy, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including product labels, stickers, and retail packaging.
Algae inks are also gaining traction in the packaging industry. These inks utilize algae-derived pigments and resins, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impact. Algae Ink™ is available with a water-based or soy-based carrier, making it one of the most sustainable ink options on the market.
The use of eco-friendly inks is just one aspect of creating greener packaging. Proper labeling and communication are also crucial in educating consumers about recycling. By providing clear instructions on how to recycle the package, brands can ensure that consumers properly dispose of the recyclable pouches, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic pockets are considered soft plastics, which can be recycled at some local supermarkets or at specific waste centers. However, they cannot be recycled in curbside bins.
Soft plastics include plastic bags, cling wrap, chip packets, bubble wrap, and plastic pockets.
Soft plastics can break recycling machinery and should therefore be disposed of in a general waste bin or recycled at a specialized location.
Try to avoid packaging by using reusable or unpackaged options. You can also look for alternatives with less wrapping and recyclable options, such as aluminum, glass, tin, cardboard, and hard plastic containers.
