Omar Khalid
Plastic packaging is a significant contributor to the world's plastic waste problem. Despite recycling symbols and claims of recyclability, the reality is that a lot of plastic packaging does not get recycled. This is due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of infrastructure, the cost of recycling, and the challenge of separating and sorting different types of plastics. In the US, only about 5-6% of plastics are recycled each year, and a large proportion of single-use plastics end up in landfills or as microplastics in the environment. The onus is often on consumers to recycle, but they are often ill-informed or misled by greenwashing, and their efforts may be in vain if the necessary infrastructure and demand for recycled materials are not in place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic packaging recycling rate in the US | 5% to 6% |
| Plastic packaging recycling rate in California | 15% |
| Plastic packaging ending up in landfills | 85% |
| Plastic packaging exported from California | 66% |
| Plastic packaging that is recyclable | #1, #2, #5 |
| Plastic packaging that is non-recyclable | Plastic tampon applicators, pill packaging, condiment pouches, plastic film, etc. |
| Plastic packaging that is recyclable with conditions | Plastic tubs, plastic bottles, plastic bags, etc. |
| Plastic packaging that is recyclable with drop-off | Amazon packaging, plastic bags, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic packaging that is recyclable
Plastic packaging is a broad term for a wide range of materials, some of which are technically recyclable, but many of which are not. Even when plastic packaging is technically recyclable, it does not mean that it is always recycled in practice.
In the US, the most widely recycled plastic is PET, which can be used as a construction material. Another commonly recycled plastic is HDPE, which is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. In the US, the recycling rate for HDPE bottles is around 30%. LDPE, on the other hand, is a very cheap and low-quality plastic, and many municipalities will not accept it in curbside recycling bins. However, when recycled, LDPE can be transformed into bin liners and packaging films. PP, or polypropylene, is one of the most popular plastic packaging materials in the world, but only around 1-3% is recycled in the US. Recycled PP usually ends up being black or grey, making it unsuitable for packaging use, and it is difficult and expensive to recycle.
In California, at least 85% of single-use plastics in the state end up in a landfill. This is due in part to a loophole in the 1989 California Integrated Waste Management Act, which states that shipping trash overseas counts as recycling, even if it is not actually recycled. However, California has recently passed a cluster of bills known as the Circular Economy Package, which seeks to reduce the amount of single-use plastics used and sent overseas, and to make it easier for consumers to identify what is and is not recyclable.
Many companies also use recycled plastic to make new packaging, which can often be recycled again. For example, Trex uses recycled plastic to create composite decks, and many companies are developing advanced recycling technologies to break down plastic into its building blocks for reuse as brand-new plastic.
Despite the challenges of plastic recycling, there are ways to increase the likelihood that your plastic packaging will be recycled. Firstly, check with your local recycling entity, as all recycling is local and there may be differences from town to town. Secondly, avoid putting plastic bags or wraps in your recycling bin, as they can gum up the works and are not wanted by most recycling centres. Instead, take them to participating retail stores, which will collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul it to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products.
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Plastic packaging that is not recyclable
One issue with plastic packaging is that it is often made of multiple types of plastic, which creates challenges for the recycling process. For example, adhesive labels, protective caps, and twistable gears are all made of different plastics that must be separated for recycling. Additionally, thin plastic films, such as those used for packaging and grocery bags, are not always accepted by recycling programs due to the difficulty in processing them.
Another concern is the resin identification code, which can be misleading to consumers. The chasing arrows symbol, often seen on plastic packaging, indicates that the package is technically recyclable under ideal conditions. However, in reality, many single-use plastics still end up in landfills, and the recycling of some plastics is not economically viable. For instance, low-density polyethylene (#4 plastic) is challenging to recycle due to its low quality and the difficulty in removing odors from the recycled material.
Furthermore, plastic waste is often contaminated by food and other substances, rendering the resins unsuitable for reuse. The cost of building and operating recycling facilities is high, and small quantities of plastic may not be profitable for recycling due to low efficiencies and high costs. This results in vast amounts of plastic being disposed of in non-environmentally friendly ways, leading to polluted oceans, overextended landfills, and ecological damage.
To address these issues, legislation such as California's Senate Bill 343 and the Circular Economy Package aims to reduce single-use plastics and improve recycling practices. However, the plastic recycling system still has a long way to go to ensure that all plastic packaging is recycled effectively.
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Plastic packaging recycling process
Plastic packaging can be recycled, but the process is often challenging and inefficient. The recycling process for plastic packaging typically involves the following steps:
Collection and Sorting
The first step is to collect and sort plastic packaging from households, businesses, and other sources. This can be done through curbside recycling programs, store drop-off locations, or designated collection points for specific types of plastic, such as plastic bags. It's important to separate different types of plastics and ensure they are free from contamination, as this can impact their recyclability.
Processing and Treatment
Once collected, plastic packaging is transported to recycling facilities for processing. This involves various mechanical and chemical processes to clean, sort, and treat the plastic. Technologies such as near-infrared spectroscopy and optical sorting are used to identify and separate different types of plastics. However, mixed plastics, residues, and composite materials can complicate the process and reduce the overall recovery rates.
Melting and Reforming
After sorting and treatment, the plastic packaging is melted down. This is made possible by the fact that the majority of plastic waste is made of thermosoftening polymers, which can be re-melted and reformed into new items. The melted plastic can then be moulded or processed into new products or raw materials for manufacturing.
Closed-Loop Recycling
Closed-loop recycling, also known as primary recycling, involves endlessly recycling used plastic into new items of the same quality and type. For example, turning drinks bottles back into drinks bottles. This process aims to create a circular economy and reduce the need for virgin materials. However, it is challenging due to cumulative polymer degradation and the risk of contaminant build-up.
End Products and Applications
Recycled plastic can be used to create a variety of new products, such as packaging, containers, furniture, and textiles. However, the demand for recycled plastic is often weak due to the inconsistent properties of the material. Efforts are being made to find higher-value applications for recycled polymers to increase their marketability.
Despite the existence of recycling processes and technologies, the recycling rates for plastic packaging remain low. This is due to various factors, including the complexity of recycling different types of plastics, economic feasibility, and a lack of infrastructure in some regions. Additionally, the advertising and labelling of plastic packaging as "recyclable" can be misleading, as it does not always guarantee that the material will be recycled.
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Plastic packaging recycling challenges
Plastic packaging recycling faces several challenges that hinder its effectiveness and impact on sustainability. One significant issue is the complexity and cost of recycling certain types of plastics. For instance, rigid containers made from a single polymer are easier and more economical to recycle than multi-layer and multi-component packages. Some plastics, like thermoplastics, have a high potential for mechanical recycling, while others, such as thermosetting polymers, cannot be recycled in the same way and can only be reused as filler materials after being size-reduced.
Another challenge is the fragmented nature of the plastic packaging market. Without a dominant market leader, it becomes difficult to coordinate collective action among brand owners, slowing down the progress of adopting recycled packaging. Additionally, there is a price disparity between virgin plastics and recycled alternatives. Virgin plastics are often more cost-competitive due to the cheap supply of virgin material from countries with less stringent sustainability regulations, such as China and the US. This makes it harder for recycled plastics to compete and gain a foothold in the market.
Regulatory uncertainty and quality gaps further complicate plastic packaging recycling. Ambiguity around mandatory content requirements and enforcement creates hesitation among companies when it comes to investing in recycled materials. Moreover, despite advancements in recycling technologies, most recycled materials still fall short of virgin plastics in terms of quality, particularly for premium packaging. This increases production complexity and discourages companies from fully embracing recycled alternatives.
The recycling process itself faces challenges, such as the effectiveness of recycling mixed plastics waste and ensuring proper collection and sorting of recyclable materials. A study in the UK revealed that between 21% and 40% of packaging in a regular shopping basket cannot be effectively recycled, even if collected. This highlights the need for better product design and the implementation of policies that promote environmental design principles to enhance the recyclability of plastic packaging.
Furthermore, there is the issue of greenwashing and misleading recycling symbols on plastic packaging. Many companies, including Amazon, claim that their packages are widely recyclable. However, investigations have found that even when following the provided guidelines, the packaging often does not end up being recycled. This is due in part to the confusing resin identification codes, which led consumers to believe their packages were recyclable when they may not be accepted by local recycling centers.
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Plastic packaging recycling alternatives
Plastic packaging has a significant environmental impact, and only about 14% of it is recycled. Most plastic packaging ends up in landfills or the ocean, and the small percentage that is recycled is often shipped overseas, making it difficult to track its fate. The recycling symbol on plastic packages can be misleading, as it does not guarantee that the material will actually be recycled. This has led to a growing concern for sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.
One alternative to plastic packaging is biodegradable packaging, which is designed to break down naturally in the environment without causing harm to wildlife or ecosystems. Biodegradable packaging can be made from materials like starch, cellulose, and plant-based plastics such as cornstarch, sugarcane, and potato starch. These materials can take anywhere from a few months to several years to decompose, depending on their composition.
Another popular alternative is paper or cardboard packaging, which is widely available, renewable, and recyclable. Paper is easily recyclable and biodegradable, but it may not be suitable for products requiring durable or airtight packaging. Metal packaging is another option for products needing more protection. It is recyclable, and its ease of recyclability is expected to drive a nearly four percent growth in the metal packaging industry.
Glass packaging is a highly recyclable, non-toxic, and reusable option for food and beverages. It can be recycled multiple times without losing its quality, making it an eco-friendly choice. Compostable packaging, made from natural materials like starch, cellulose, and sugarcane, is another versatile and eco-friendly alternative. It breaks down into organic material that can be used as fertiliser.
Other alternatives to plastic packaging include edible packaging, made from food-based materials like seaweed, and bamboo-based packaging. Edible packaging reduces waste and eliminates the need for additional packaging, but it may not be suitable for all products due to limited protection and shelf life. Bamboo, while a promising option, currently faces challenges due to the cost and time required for importing, as well as the need for technological advancements to make it a viable plastic alternative.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic packaging can be recycled, but it often isn't due to a lack of infrastructure and effective recycling systems.
Bread bag clips, pill packaging, condiment pouches, and tampon applicators are examples of plastic packaging that is not recycled.
Plastic that is not recycled or reused does not chemically degrade but breaks apart into microplastics, which have been found in the ocean, snow, rainfall, the air, and even human blood.
Non-plastic alternatives include packaging made from fungi, hemp, and other environmentally friendly materials.
Check with your local recycling guidelines to see what types of plastic are accepted and where to drop them off. Some plastics (#1, 2, and 5) are more commonly recycled than others.
