Ethan Clarke
Plastic is the most common material for packaging and containers, and its excessive use has led to various environmental challenges. Recycling is a viable solution to combat the damage caused by plastic pollution, and some resins are more easily recycled than others. Recycled resin is in increasing demand globally, and plays a pivotal role in producing a significant amount of plastic packaging. Researchers are also developing new resins that are fully recyclable. However, not all plastics can be recycled, and the recyclability of a plastic depends on its type and the capabilities of recycling facilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclable Resins | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), PP (since July 2022) |
| Non-Recyclable Resins | Epoxy resins, PVC |
| Challenges | Low recovery rates, durability, suitability of different polymer grades, global legislation, manufacturer challenges, aesthetics, virgin plastic contamination, facility limitations |
| Benefits | Reduce demand for virgin plastic, conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, divert waste from landfills, contribute to a circular economy |
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What You'll Learn
Recycled resin is in high demand but low supply
The demand for recycled resin is increasing globally, driven by consumer pressure on manufacturers and governments to reduce plastic waste. This has resulted in legislation aimed at reducing single-use plastics and taxing non-compliant plastic packaging. For example, the UK introduced a tax in April 2022 on plastic packaging that does not meet a minimum threshold of 30% recycled content. However, despite the growing demand, the supply of recycled resin is struggling to keep up. This is due to various factors, including low recovery rates of post-consumer plastic scrap, the durability and suitability of different polymer grades used in packaging, global legislation, and challenges at the level of individual manufacturers.
One of the challenges in increasing the supply of recycled resin is the complexity of recycling certain types of plastics. For instance, epoxy resins, which are used in manufacturing components for aircraft, cars, and ships, have traditionally been difficult to recycle because they are thermosets, meaning their polymer chains are closely cross-linked, making melting and reshaping impossible. However, researchers at Empa have recently developed a recyclable, repairable, and flame-retardant epoxy resin-based plastic, providing opportunities for recycling this type of material.
Another factor contributing to the low supply of recycled resin is the competition for widely-recycled plastics like PET from other consumer markets, such as the fiber industry. Additionally, the supply of recycled resin has been impacted by events such as extreme weather and port congestion issues, particularly in North America. These factors have resulted in tight supply and high prices for recycled resins.
To address the supply gap, experts have recommended rapid mobilization to improve recycling collection and streamline recycled plastic collection policies, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) and container deposit bills. For example, the federal Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act includes EPR provisions that could create opportunities for increasing the supply of recycled resin. Furthermore, minimum recycled content policies, such as state laws and brand commitments, can strengthen and stabilize demand for recycled resin.
While the demand for recycled resin is high, the complex landscape of recycling and the challenges in increasing supply have resulted in a situation where demand is outpacing supply. Addressing these issues will require collaboration between stakeholders, policy changes, and continued innovations in recycling technology.
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Recycled resin is pivotal in reducing single-use plastics
The world is currently facing significant challenges due to plastic pollution. Recycling is a viable solution to combat the damage caused by the excessive use of this material. Recycled resin is pivotal in reducing single-use plastics and plays a crucial role in achieving a circular economy.
A circular economy aims to create a sustainable system where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimised, and materials are continuously cycled back into the production process. Recycled resin helps reduce the demand for virgin plastic production, conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, and divert plastic waste from landfills. It also contributes to the development of a circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible.
There are several commonly used recyclable plastic resins, including High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and Polypropylene (PP). Each of these resins has unique properties that make them suitable for various applications. For example, HDPE is known for its durability and chemical resistance, making it ideal for bottles, pipes, and containers. LDPE is often used in flexible packaging and plastic bags, while PET is commonly used for beverage bottles and food containers due to its transparency and strength. PP is used in a wide range of products, including clothing, bottles, ropes, and tubs.
Despite the benefits of recycled resin, there are challenges to its widespread adoption. One challenge is the low recovery rate of post-consumer plastic scrap and the durability of different polymer grades used in packaging, which impacts their suitability for recycling. Additionally, recycled resin has traditionally been seen as lower quality than virgin plastic due to impurities and aesthetic differences. However, progress is being made to improve the quality and functionality of recycled resins.
The push to reduce single-use plastics is driving the demand for recycled resin. Consumer pressure on manufacturers and governments has led to a new focus on plastic packaging and its lifespan beyond its primary use. Legislation is also playing a crucial role, with countries introducing taxes on plastic packaging that does not meet minimum recycled content thresholds. These factors are driving the demand for recycled resin and encouraging manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices.
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Some resins are difficult to recycle due to chemical structure
The recyclability of plastic resins depends on their unique properties, which determine their applications. For instance, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is known for its durability and chemical resistance, making it suitable for bottles, pipes, and containers. On the other hand, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is used in flexible packaging and plastic bags due to its lower density compared to HDPE. LDPE is also suitable for heat sealing.
While some plastic resins are widely recycled, others pose challenges due to their chemical structures. For example, Polypropylene (PP), or Plastic #5, was previously deemed difficult to recycle. PP is used in a wide range of applications, including food and beverage bottles, containers, bags, and packaging. Its high temperature resistance is a desirable trait, but during the recycling process, when PP reaches its melting point, it risks losing integrity, such as strength and flexibility. This challenge is related to its chemical structure and has made PP harder to recycle than other resins. However, since July 2022, PP has been considered "Widely Recyclable" by How2Recycle.
Epoxy resins, used in manufacturing components for aircraft, cars, trains, ships, and wind turbines, are another example of resins that are challenging to recycle. These resins are polymers with closely crosslinked polymer chains, making it impossible to melt and reshape them. This characteristic sets them apart from thermoplastics, which can be melted and reformed into new shapes. However, researchers at Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, have recently developed a recyclable epoxy resin. This innovation is a significant step toward creating a more sustainable future.
It is important to note that the recyclability of plastic resins is not solely dependent on their chemical structure. Other factors, such as facility limitations, contamination with other materials, and exposure to the sun, can also impact the recyclability of plastic resins. Additionally, the concept of a circular economy, where resources are used efficiently and continuously cycled back into production, is gaining traction. Initiatives to implement closed-loop systems for collecting, recycling, and creating new products from plastic resins contribute to this sustainable approach.
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Recycled resins are usually of lower quality than virgin plastic
The recycling of plastics is an important part of minimizing society's carbon footprint. However, not all plastics can be recycled. For instance, plastic that is mixed with another material, such as aluminum or resin, is very complicated to recycle because the materials are difficult to separate. Plastic that has been exposed to the sun for a long time also loses its recyclability due to a decrease in quality.
There are several commonly used recyclable plastic resins, including High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). HDPE is known for its durability and resistance to chemicals, making it suitable for bottles, pipes, and containers. LDPE is often used in flexible packaging materials and plastic bags, while PET is used for beverage bottles and food containers due to its transparency and strength.
Despite the benefits of using recycled plastic resins, there are challenges associated with their adoption. One issue is that recycled resins are traditionally of lower quality than virgin plastic. Recycled resins may contain impurities that result in specks or discolored spots, which can be undesirable for branding, aesthetic, or functional purposes. Additionally, the low recovery rates of post-consumer plastic scrap, durability, and suitability of different polymer grades used in packaging further complicate the landscape of recycled resin adoption.
However, progress is being made to improve the quality of recycled resins. Extensive filtering and impurity elimination techniques are being developed to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of recycled resins. Additionally, consumer pressure on manufacturers and governments to reduce plastic waste is driving an increase in demand for recycled resins. Countries like the UK have introduced taxes on plastic packaging that does not meet a minimum threshold of at least 30% recycled content, further incentivizing the use of recycled resins.
Furthermore, researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) have developed a fully recyclable, repairable, and flame-retardant epoxy resin-based plastic. This innovation breaks through the traditional challenges of recycling epoxy resins, which are used in manufacturing components for aircraft, cars, trains, ships, and wind turbines. With continued advancements and initiatives, the quality and adoption of recycled resins are expected to improve in the future.
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Resin Identification Codes (RICs) help identify recyclable resins
The use of plastic has become integral to the way we manufacture, transport and purchase goods. However, the environmental impact of plastic packaging is undeniable. Recycling plastic is an important part of minimising our carbon footprint as a society. Proper recycling requires knowing which plastics can be reused and made into new products.
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is a technical standard with a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of resin used to manufacture them. The RIC was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. The original purpose of the RIC was to "provide a consistent national system to facilitate the recycling of post-consumer plastics". The RIC system was designed to make it easier for workers in materials recovery and recycling facilities to sort and separate items according to their resin type.
The RIC consists of an equilateral triangle, a Resin Identification Number, and an Abbreviated Term for the polymeric material. The different types of plastic resins addressed include:
- Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
- High-density polyethylene
- Poly(vinyl chloride)
- Low-density polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Polystyrene
- Other resins
It is important to note that the presence of a RIC on a plastic product does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable. The RIC is meant to aid the identification of resin types, not a product's recyclability. The general public commonly associates the "chasing arrows" symbol with recycling, which is not the RIC's focus. Changing the symbol to an equilateral triangle has helped to reduce misunderstandings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some resin plastics are recyclable. The most common resin plastics that are recyclable include High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). However, not all resin plastics are recyclable. For example, epoxy resins, which are used in manufacturing components for aircraft, cars, and ships, are not recyclable.
Recyclable resin plastics offer several advantages over conventional plastics. Firstly, they help reduce the demand for virgin plastic production, conserving valuable resources and reducing energy consumption. Secondly, they help divert plastic waste from landfills, thereby reducing the environmental impact of plastic disposal. Lastly, they contribute to the development of a circular economy, where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimised, and materials are continuously cycled back into the production process.
At the bottom of most plastic containers, there is a Resin Identification Code (RIC) surrounded by a triangle. This code identifies the type of resin used to manufacture the plastic and helps recycling plants sort and categorise plastics for recycling. However, it is also important to research your local recycling plant and state policies, as not all facilities accept the same types of plastics for recycling.
