Ethan Clarke
Flexible plastic packaging is lightweight and plays a crucial role in protecting food from spoilage. However, it is challenging to recycle due to its composition of multiple layers and materials. Flexible plastic accounts for over 50% of the plastic packaging market and is expected to grow, yet only 7-9% is recycled globally. This type of plastic often ends up in the environment, causing ecosystem and health issues. While recycling flexible plastic can be costly due to sorting challenges, it is possible through innovative solutions, such as chemical recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. EPR policies hold producers accountable for financing the recycling of their plastic products, incentivising better design.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Approximately 50% of flexible packaging in the US is recyclable. |
| Recycling process | Relatively simple but flexible packaging cannot be combined with other recyclables in a curbside bin. |
| Drop-off locations | Over 18,000 locations across the US and Canada collect flexible packaging for recycling. |
| Identifying recyclable packaging | Check the label for the How2Recycle label, which provides detailed recycling instructions. |
| Challenges | Flexible plastic can get caught in sorting machinery at recycling facilities, causing jams and delays. |
| Solutions | Chemical recycling, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, and moving towards mono-material packaging. |
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What You'll Learn
Flexible plastic packaging is recyclable, but it's challenging
Flexible plastic packaging is lightweight and plays a crucial role in protecting food from spoilage. However, it is challenging to recycle, and it is this type of plastic that disproportionately accounts for the plastic waste accumulating in the environment, creating issues for ecosystems and human health.
Flexible plastic packaging is expected to grow in popularity, with an increase in consumer demand for convenience food and online retailing. Despite this, the recycling infrastructure is not adequate to handle the emerging and future materials. Flexible plastic packaging represents nearly a quarter of all UK consumer plastic packaging, yet only 7% is currently recycled. In the US, approximately 50% of flexible packaging is recyclable, but it cannot be combined with other recyclables in a curbside bin.
The challenges of recycling flexible plastic packaging include the fact that it is often made from multiple layers of different materials, which are difficult to separate and process. Additionally, flexible plastic can easily get caught in sorting machinery at recycling facilities, causing jams and delays, and making the process more expensive.
To improve the recyclability of flexible plastic packaging, some companies are moving towards mono-material packaging, which is easier to recycle than multi-material packaging. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are also being implemented, which hold producers accountable for financing the net cost of collecting and recycling their plastic products and incentivise better design. Chemical recycling has also emerged as a potential solution to complement mechanical recycling, especially for food-grade packaging.
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Flexible packaging cannot be combined with other recyclables
Flexible plastic packaging is challenging to recycle, and it is this type of plastic that disproportionately accounts for the plastic waste accumulating in the environment, causing problems for ecosystems and human health. Flexible plastic packaging accounts for nearly a quarter of all UK consumer plastic packaging, but only 7% is recycled. In the US, approximately 50% of flexible packaging is recyclable, and it is crucial to differentiate between which items are and are not admissible for store drop-off.
To recycle flexible plastic packaging, specific drop-off locations must be used. Over 18,000 locations across the US and Canada collect flexible packaging for recycling, including grocery stores, pharmacies, big-box stores, and home improvement chains. The easiest way to tell if a product is eligible for recycling is by checking the label, which will provide clear recycling instructions to the public.
There is a growing need to improve the recyclability of flexible plastic packaging. The demand for flexible plastic is expected to increase, and current recovery systems are not adequate to handle the emerging and future materials. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes aim to hold producers accountable for financing the net cost of collecting and recycling their plastic products and incentivize better design. In addition, chemical recycling has emerged as a potential solution to complement mechanical recycling, especially for food-grade packaging.
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Flexible plastic recycling can be more expensive
Flexible plastic packaging is challenging to recycle. It often requires different materials and multiple layers to protect the product, making it difficult to recycle. Flexible plastic packaging accounts for nearly a quarter of all UK consumer plastic packaging, yet only 7% is currently recycled. This type of plastic is a significant contributor to the plastic waste that ends up in the environment, causing issues for ecosystems and human health.
While recycling flexible plastic packaging can be more expensive, some companies are committed to providing innovative solutions. For example, Recorra was the first company to collect coffee grounds and compostable packaging and introduce an electric RCV in London. They have also recycled over 4,000kg of flexible plastics, which have been reprocessed into Stormboard™, a new material with applications such as an alternative to plywood in construction.
The economic case for collecting, sorting, and recycling flexible plastic packaging often does not generate enough revenue to finance the necessary infrastructure. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes aim to hold producers accountable for financing the net cost of collecting and recycling their plastic products and incentivising better design. However, EPR schemes vary in structure and commitment, and they do not always adequately address flexible consumer packaging.
To improve the recyclability of flexible plastic packaging, there is a need for coordination across the entire value chain. This includes designing packaging that can be recycled and sorted, implementing collection at kerbside in all local authority areas, and exploring innovative approaches. The demand for flexible plastic packaging is expected to increase, so it is essential to increase access to recycling these materials and develop new technologies.
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Flexible plastic packaging is resource-efficient
Secondly, flexible plastic packaging can be reused and recycled, which helps to reduce waste. Flexible plastic packaging can be reshaped to accommodate high volumes or odd-shaped contents, and many packaging types can be resealed and reused multiple times. Additionally, flexible plastic packaging can be recycled and reused as an alternative to plywood in construction, waterproof garden furniture, or waste sorting tables.
Thirdly, flexible plastic packaging is cost-effective. While the initial costs of flexible plastic packaging may be higher, the long-term savings are significant. Flexible plastic packaging reduces material usage, which leads to lower production costs. The reduced use of plastics or other materials also helps to cut expenses and environmental impact. Furthermore, the growing trend of e-commerce and e-retail favours flexible packaging due to its convenience, ease of transport, and deliverability.
Finally, flexible plastic packaging can play a crucial role in protecting food from becoming waste. By maintaining product protection and quality, flexible plastic packaging helps to ensure that food items remain fresh and usable for longer periods. This, in turn, can help to reduce food waste and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
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Chemical recycling is a potential solution
Flexible plastic packaging is challenging to recycle due to its single-use nature and the difficulty of separating it from other materials. However, chemical recycling offers a potential solution to this issue. Chemical recycling, or the process of transforming plastic waste into valuable chemicals like monomers and hydrocarbons, can create products with higher value than the original plastic. This approach not only reduces waste but also increases product efficiency and sustainability.
One company, Recorra, has successfully recycled over 4,000kg of flexible plastics. The recycled material, called Stormboard™, serves as an alternative to plywood in construction and waterproof garden furniture. This innovative solution showcases the potential for upcycling flexible plastics into new, valuable materials.
The current recycling system for flexible plastics is fragmented, with only about 7% of flexible plastic packaging in the UK being recycled. To improve this, a coordinated effort is required to implement consistent collection methods and create a circular economy. This includes designing recyclable and easily sorted packaging and utilizing collection points at supermarkets and, eventually, kerbside collection in all local authority areas.
While mechanical recycling methods often result in lower-value products, chemical recycling has the potential to create valuable commodity chemicals. This upcycling approach can lead to products with enhanced value compared to their original plastic form. By embracing chemical recycling, we can move towards a circular economy where packaging materials are reused, recycled, or composted instead of becoming waste.
In conclusion, chemical recycling presents a promising solution to the challenge of recycling flexible plastic packaging. By adopting this approach, we can reduce waste, increase sustainability, and take a step towards creating a greener planet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, flexible plastic packaging is recyclable, but it is challenging to recycle. Flexible plastic packaging cannot be combined with other recyclables in a curbside bin used for other household papers and plastics.
The easiest way to tell if a product is eligible for recycling is by checking the label. If the packaging is eligible for recycling, it should be dropped off at specific locations for collection. Over 18,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada collect flexible packaging for recycling.
Flexible plastic packaging is collected, sorted, and responsibly recycled. Recycle BC is an example of an organization that ensures household materials are collected from households and depots.
Flexible plastic packaging accounts for a significant portion of plastic waste in the environment, causing problems for ecosystems and human health. It is often not designed for recycling due to the different materials and multiple layers required for product protection.
Solutions include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, chemical recycling, and innovations in packaging design, such as moving towards mono-material instead of multi-material flex packaging.
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