Ecologic Plastic: Truly Recyclable Or Not?

Eco-friendly plastics are a group of engineered polymers designed to break down or be recycled in a circular fashion. They are made from renewable resources and are capable of breaking down naturally. However, the fast entrance of eco-friendly plastics has led to challenges for the recycling industry as most eco-friendly plastics cannot be recycled through the same avenues as traditional plastics. For example, bioplastics like PLA and biodegradable petroleum-based plastics like PBS cannot be placed in recycling bins with virgin and recycled plastics. This has created a significant and growing problem with the proper disposal of eco-friendly plastics. Despite these challenges, companies such as Ecologic Brands are emphasizing the reduction of plastic materials at the source and creating products that are recyclable, refillable, and renewable.

EcoLogic LLC's Eco-One® additive enhances biodegradation in biologically active landfills

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, less than 10% of plastic is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills and oceans. EcoLogic LLC aims to address this issue with its Eco-One® additive, which enhances the biodegradation of plastic products in biologically active landfills.

Eco-One® is an organic additive that, when added to plastic during the manufacturing process, does not alter the physical properties or tensile strength of the final product. This means that products made with Eco-One® perform just as well as those without the additive. The key benefit of Eco-One® lies in its ability to enhance biodegradation. When plastic products with Eco-One® are disposed of in biologically active landfills, the additive facilitates the formation of a "biofilm" on the surface of the plastic. This biofilm is comprised of microbes that penetrate the plastic, while other ingredients in Eco-One® work to expand the molecular structure, making room for the microbes.

Through this process, Eco-One® enhances the biodegradation of plastic into methane, carbon dioxide, and inert humus. Methane, in particular, is a critical component as it can be recaptured and used as a source of renewable energy. Independent ASTM D5511 tests representing biologically active landfills have demonstrated the effectiveness of Eco-One®, showing 5-15% biodegradation within just 30 days.

Eco-One® stands out from other degradable plastic additives on the market. While some alternatives, such as oxo-degradable and PLA products, require specific conditions like oxygen, heat, and moisture to begin breaking down, they may not effectively degrade in landfills lacking these conditions. Additionally, oxo-products can leave behind harmful metals and chemicals, while PLA products use up valuable food resources. Eco-One®, on the other hand, is designed to enhance biodegradation specifically in biologically active landfills, making it a more reliable and environmentally friendly solution.

Eco.Bottles are made from recycled paper and plastic

Eco.Bottles are commercially-viable hybrid paper bottles made from recycled paper and plastic. They are designed to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. These bottles are a versatile solution for various purposes, from household cleaning to personal care and gardening.

The hybrid design of the Eco.Bottles combines a shell and liner, resulting in a 70% reduction in plastic usage compared to traditional plastic bottles. This innovative packaging solution prioritises the recyclability of the bottles, ensuring that materials are never fused or bound together. As a result, Eco.Bottles use less plastic than other options on the market without compromising on functionality and safety.

The recycled paper used in Eco.Bottles is produced by transforming PET plastic bottles into mineral or peta paper. This process involves crushing recycled plastic bottles into pellets, mixing them with calcium carbonate, and forming sheets of large paper. Mineral paper is stronger than standard paper, waterproof, photodegradable, and cost-effective to produce. By using recycled paper, Eco.Bottles help reduce deforestation and water waste.

Eco.Bottles are also designed with safety and aesthetics in mind. They are shatterproof, making them a safer alternative to glass bottles, especially in households with young children, pets, or adults with reduced mobility. The bottles feature warm hues and a natural texture, enhancing their visual appeal and providing an eco-friendly alternative to the look and feel of traditional plastic.

Overall, Eco.Bottles made from recycled paper and plastic offer a sustainable, functional, and environmentally-conscious choice for consumers. By utilising recycled materials and reducing plastic content, these bottles contribute to a greener future while meeting the practical needs of users.

EcoLogic's products are refillable and recyclable

EcoLogics products are designed with the environment in mind. The eco.bottle, for example, is made from recycled materials and is the world's only commercially-viable paper bottle. It uses less plastic than other options on the market, making it a more sustainable choice. EcoLogics also offers refillable and recyclable containers, including spray bottles and dispenser bottles with pumps. These bottles are made with a hybrid paper-plastic structure and a PET inner liner, using up to 70% less plastic than traditional options. This not only reduces plastic waste but also provides a versatile solution for various needs, from household cleaning to personal care and gardening.

The benefits of EcoLogics products go beyond just recyclability. By using recycled materials, EcoLogics helps to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), recycled plastic products can reduce energy consumption and emissions by significant amounts when compared to virgin materials. Additionally, EcoLogics emphasizes the reduction of plastic material at the source. Recognizing that less than 10% of plastic is recycled, they promote the use of paper, a renewable, compostable, and easily recyclable material.

EcoLogics' commitment to sustainability extends to their manufacturing processes as well. Their products are designed to enhance biodegradation in biologically active landfills. This is achieved through the use of Eco-One®, an organic additive that breaks down plastic in landfills with oxygen, heat, and moisture. By incorporating Eco-One®, EcoLogics ensures that their products are not only recyclable but also biodegradable, further reducing their environmental impact.

The refillable and recyclable nature of EcoLogics products empowers consumers to make more sustainable choices. By refilling and reusing EcoLogics containers, individuals can reduce their plastic waste and contribute to a cleaner, greener planet. Additionally, EcoLogics products are built to be durable and kid-friendly, making them suitable for everyday use and perfect for families. EcoLogics is dedicated to providing eco-friendly solutions that are not only good for the environment but also practical and convenient for consumers.

Eco-friendly plastics are engineered polymers designed to break down or be recycled

Plastic is a man-made, petroleum-based polymer that has been labelled an "environmental villain" due to its detrimental impact on the planet. Eco-friendly plastics are designed to address this issue. They are a group of engineered polymers that are either biodegradable or recyclable.

There are three main categories of eco-friendly plastics: bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, and recycled plastics. Bioplastics are polymers created with renewable resources that can break down naturally. They include starch-based materials derived from potatoes or corn, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and Notpla, a solution made from seaweed. PLA, in particular, has gained acceptance among producers as it requires less energy to produce and emits fewer greenhouse gases when degrading in landfills.

Biodegradable plastics, such as PBS, are designed to break down over time. However, they require specific conditions like oxygen, heat, and moisture, which are often not present in landfills. Additionally, they can leave behind harmful metals and chemicals in the polymer chain. Recycled plastics, on the other hand, are made from recycled materials, reducing the need for virgin plastic production.

While eco-friendly plastics offer a more sustainable alternative, their recycling process is not as straightforward as traditional plastics. Bioplastics, for example, cannot be recycled with virgin or recycled plastics and require separate disposal methods. This has created challenges for the recycling industry and confusion for consumers.

Some companies, like Ecologic, are addressing the issue of plastic waste by reducing plastic material usage. They offer hybrid paper-plastic bottles that use up to 70% less plastic while maintaining safety and functionality. These bottles are designed to be shatterproof, customisable, and safe for various settings, including homes with young children or adults with reduced mobility.

Eco-friendly plastics include bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, and recycled plastics

Eco-friendly plastics are an attempt to reduce the environmental impact of traditional plastics, which are associated with environmental pollution and often end up in landfills. Eco-friendly alternatives include bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, and recycled plastics.

Bioplastics are typically manufactured from bio-based polymers, which are made from renewable or recycled raw materials. They can be produced from organic materials by microorganisms, which store carbon reserves in granules that are harvested by companies to create plastic with a chemical structure similar to traditional plastics. Bioplastics can be biodegradable and are often used for medical applications and food packaging. However, the production of bioplastics can require land that competes with food production, and the process of converting raw materials into bioplastics can be complex and expensive.

Biodegradable plastics are designed to decompose, typically in industrial composting facilities. They can be made from biological resources or fossil raw materials. To break down, these plastics require an environment with oxygen, heat, and moisture, which landfills often do not have. Biodegradable plastics can be a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, but their production and consumption should follow certain conditions to ensure a positive overall environmental impact.

Recycled plastics aim to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills. Ecologic, for example, creates products with less plastic that are still safe and durable. They also emphasize the use of paper, a renewable, compostable, and easily recyclable material. Some companies are developing innovative ways to replace plastic altogether, such as using algae, milk protein, or fungi to create biodegradable packaging materials.

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