Omar Khalid
Plastic packing tape is not recyclable, but it can be reused. Most recycling facilities can recycle cardboard and paper with tape still attached, but it is important to check with your local recycler to understand their policies. Some services may request that the tape be removed, and excessive tape can cause issues with recycling machinery. Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic adhesive tape are becoming more common, such as biodegradable tape made from plant-based materials like corn starch or potato starch, and paper tape.
Is plastic packing tape recyclable?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Most plastic packing tapes are not recyclable, such as polypropylene and PVC tape. |
| Paper packing tape, also known as Kraft tape, is recyclable. | |
| Gummed paper tape, also known as water-activated tape (WAT), is usually recyclable. | |
| Non-reinforced water-activated tape is recyclable. | |
| Cello tape is recyclable. | |
| Some biodegradable tapes are made from plant-based materials, such as corn starch or potato starch. | |
| Compostable packing tape is made from 90% renewable resources, with film derived from plants and adhesive made from natural rubber. | |
| Tape removal before recycling | It depends on the local recycling policies. Some municipalities and trash haulers require the removal of plastic packing tape before recycling boxes. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic packing tape alternatives
Plastic packing tape is not an environmentally friendly choice due to its non-biodegradable and non-compostable nature. However, there are several eco-friendly alternatives to plastic packing tape that are just as effective.
Water-Activated Tape
Water-activated tape, also known as gummed paper tape, is a popular eco-friendly alternative to plastic packing tape. It is made from paper and a water-based chemical adhesive. The adhesive is only activated when wet, so its surface does not need to be covered in non-compostable wax. Water-activated tape is available in non-reinforced and reinforced forms, making it suitable for a wide range of packaging needs.
Paper Tape
Flatback paper tape is another environmentally friendly alternative to plastic tape. It is made from natural materials, such as kraft paper, and is 100% recyclable. Paper tape is easy to tear by hand, making it quick and efficient to apply. However, its recyclability depends on the specific materials used in its construction, so it is important to check with your local recycling facility.
Biodegradable Tape
Biodegradable tape is made from plant-based materials such as corn starch or potato starch. These products naturally break down into carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients within 6 months.
Compostable Tape
Compostable tape is a sustainable alternative to plastic tape, offering similar strength and performance without compromising on environmental impact.
When choosing a plastic packing tape alternative, it is important to consider the specific needs of your business, the type of products being packaged, and the desired branding and environmental considerations.
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Recyclability depends on location
The recyclability of plastic packing tape depends on your location. While most recycling facilities can recycle cardboard and paper with tape still attached, it is important to check your local provider's policies. For example, some services may request that you remove the tape, and others may have limits on the amount of tape they can process. In San Francisco, all tape must be removed from cardboard boxes, while in Napa, located just over an hour north, only as much tape as possible needs to be removed.
In Chicago, it is helpful to remove plastic packing tape from boxes, but it is not necessary. In Denver, officials suggest that tape does not need to be removed unless the whole box is covered.
There are some recyclable or biodegradable tape options that can be used as alternatives to plastic adhesive tape. Gummed paper tape, or water-activated tape (WAT), is made from paper material and a water-based chemical adhesive. WAT is often used by large online retailers and can be easily recycled by dropping it off in curbside recycling.
Another option is duct tape, which is made from three main raw materials: the adhesive, the fabric reinforcement (scrim), and polyethylene (backing). Although the polyethylene could be recycled with similar #2 plastic films when separated, it is impossible to isolate, so duct tape is not recyclable. However, duct tape can be reused in crafts and DIY projects, such as candle holders, painted bangle bracelets, and holiday decorations.
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![Pacific Mailer Clear Packing Tape, Heavy Duty Packaging Carton Tape for Shipping Packaing Moving Sealing, 2 Inch Wide, 2.7mil Thickness, 65 Yards Per Roll [Pack of 6]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71P5gPhCP4L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Paper packing tape
While plastic packing tape is not recyclable, there are several eco-friendly alternatives, including paper packing tape. Paper packing tape is made from paper and a natural adhesive, such as a water-based chemical adhesive. It is often used by large online retailers and is known as water-activated tape (WAT). WAT comes in large rolls and must be placed in a custom dispenser to activate the adhesive surface using water. After use, it can be removed cleanly without leaving a sticky residue.
There are two types of WAT: non-reinforced and reinforced. Non-reinforced WAT is suitable for shipping and packaging lighter objects, while reinforced WAT is strengthened with woven fiberglass and is used for heavier packages. Both types of WAT are recyclable, but the fiberglass in reinforced WAT must be screened out during the recycling process.
Most self-adhesive paper tapes are 100% recyclable and can be recycled by dropping them off at curbside recycling locations or with other paper waste. During the recycling process, the adhesive is removed. Paper tape is also available with a corn starch adhesive, which is biodegradable and compostable.
When recycling cardboard boxes with paper tape, it is generally recommended to remove the tape first. However, some locations may allow cardboard with tape still attached to be recycled, so it is important to check the policies of your local recycling provider.
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Reinforced vs non-reinforced tape
Plastic packing tape is not always recyclable, and it is best to check with your local recycling provider. Generally, it is recommended to remove plastic tape from boxes before recycling, but some areas do not require this.
When it comes to reinforced vs non-reinforced tape, there are several key differences to note. Firstly, reinforced tape is much stronger and more durable than non-reinforced tape due to the presence of fiberglass strands. This makes it ideal for heavy-duty shipments and provides added security. On the other hand, non-reinforced tape has a smoother surface and is better suited for lighter-duty applications. It is also made of paper and can be easily torn by hand.
In terms of recyclability, non-reinforced tape is generally recyclable, biodegradable, and repulpable. It is made of paper and can be recycled along with other paper waste. However, it is important to check with your local recycling provider, as some areas may have specific requirements or limitations.
Reinforced tape, on the other hand, is not recyclable due to the presence of fiberglass. While the paper component of the tape is biodegradable and recyclable, the fiberglass component is not, making it challenging to separate and recycle the different materials. As a result, reinforced tape is less environmentally friendly than non-reinforced tape.
Overall, when choosing between reinforced and non-reinforced tape, it is important to consider the specific application and environmental impact. For heavy-duty shipments, reinforced tape may be necessary despite its recyclability concerns. However, for lighter-duty applications, non-reinforced tape can be a more sustainable and cost-effective option.
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Plastic bag vs hard plastic recycling
Plastic is a convenient and cheap material, which has transformed the way we shop and store our items. However, plastic waste is a huge global problem, with plastic piling up in our oceans and landfills. Plastic bags and hard plastics have different recycling processes, and it is important to understand these to ensure that your plastic waste is being recycled properly.
Plastic bags, including mailer bags, are classified as 'flexible packaging'. They are thin, bend easily, and can get caught in the gears of sorting machines, causing havoc in recycling facilities. They can also get tangled up with hard plastics, which can cause the whole batch to be thrown out. For this reason, plastic bags should not be placed in the same recycling bin as hard plastics, such as milk cartons or plastic containers. Many local programs do not accept plastic bags in curbside collections, and they should not be placed in your home recycling bin.
However, plastic bags can be recycled, and it is important to do so properly to avoid contributing to landfill waste. Many grocery stores now have bag recycling bins, and some local recycling facilities also accept drop-offs. Most drop-off bag collections accept polyethylene film, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE or #2 plastic) and low-density polyethylene (#4 plastic or LDPE). It is important to check the specific requirements for collection in your municipality, as some locations require all bags to be placed and tied inside one bag. Plastic bags should be clean and dry, and free of stickers, staples, and receipts.
Hard plastics, such as milk cartons or plastic containers, are easily processed by machine at recycling facilities. They are carried by conveyor belts and machine-sorted. However, it is important to check the policies of your local recycler, as some may request that tape and labels be removed from hard plastics before recycling.
There are also biodegradable and recyclable tape options available, which can be used to seal hard plastic packaging. These include paper-based tapes, such as gummed paper tape (or water-activated tape, WAT), and biodegradable tapes made from plant-based materials, such as corn starch or potato starch.
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Frequently asked questions
The short answer is that it depends on the type of tape. While most plastic packing tapes are not recyclable, such as polypropylene and PVC tape, there is one option that is: paper packing tape.
Paper packing tape, also known as Kraft tape, is an eco-friendly and water-activated packaging material that is sustainably produced and free of petroleum. It is made from a combination of paper and natural adhesive.
While most recycling facilities can recycle materials like cardboard and paper with tape still attached, it is best to check your provider's policies. Some services may request that the tape be removed, and others may have limits on the amount of tape they can process.
Yes, biodegradable tapes are made from plant-based materials, such as corn starch or potato starch. Compostable tapes are also available, which are made from 90% renewable resources.
