Ethan Clarke
Yogurt containers have been shrinking in size over the years, with the standard size now being 6 oz, down from 8 oz. This has led to an increase in plastic waste, as people often opt for single-serving containers. While some companies, like Stonyfield Farm, have introduced biodegradable PLA (polylactic acid) yogurt cups made from plants, most yogurt is still packaged in plastic containers. These containers are typically made from polypropylene (#5 plastic), which is not widely recycled despite what some organizations claim. As a result, many facilities are forced to landfill #5 plastics. To reduce plastic waste, some consumers opt for larger yogurt containers or make their own yogurt, while others choose brands like Saint Benoít, which offers yogurt in reusable, returnable ceramic containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polypropylene or #5 plastics |
| Other names | Resin, PP |
| Plastic type number | 5 |
| Other plastic types with the same number | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles |
| Plastic type characteristics | More durable than usual plastic, can withstand greater temperatures |
| Recyclability | Not accepted by most curbside recycling programs due to low recyclable value and China's ban on imported trash |
| Alternative recycling options | Recycling takeback programs like Gimme 5, mailing to the Gimme 5 center in Cortland, NY, using the Recycle More Plastic map to find the nearest collection program |
| Notable brands using #5 plastic | Chobani, Fage, Yoplait |
| Brands using other plastic types | Chobani "Flip" yogurts (#6 plastic), Stonyfield Farm (multipack cups made of #6 polystyrene) |
| Plastic-free alternatives | Saint Benoà®t yogurt in a reusable, returnable ceramic container, organic yogurt and kefir in returnable glass bottles from Pinehedge Farms |
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What You'll Learn
- Yogurt containers are typically made from polypropylene or #5 plastics
- Curbside recycling programs often don't accept polypropylene plastic
- Stonyfield Farm offers PLA yogurt cups, a biodegradable alternative
- Saint Benoít yogurt is sold in reusable, returnable ceramic containers
- Plastic recycling labels are often misleading about recyclability
Yogurt containers are typically made from polypropylene or #5 plastics
Yogurt containers are typically made from polypropylene, a type of plastic resin identified by the number 5 inside a triangle. Polypropylene accounts for about 14% of plastic production in the US and is used in a wide range of products, including yogurt containers, ketchup bottles, and common kitchenware. It is known for its durability and ability to withstand higher temperatures compared to other plastics.
While polypropylene containers are technically recyclable, the reality is that many curbside recycling programs no longer accept them due to their low recyclable value and the contamination caused by food contact. China's ban on imported trash has further complicated the recycling process for polypropylene.
Some regions, like New York City and Greensboro, North Carolina, still accept #5 plastic for recycling through their curbside programs. However, consumers should be cautious about recycling containers smaller than a standard yogurt cup, as they can be difficult to separate during the recycling process.
To properly recycle polypropylene yogurt containers, consumers may need to take extra steps, such as consulting their local recycling program's rules or using resources like the Recycle More Plastic map to find nearby collection programs specifically for polypropylene.
It is worth noting that some yogurt brands, like Stonyfield Farm, have introduced biodegradable PLA (polylactic acid) yogurt cups made from plants, mainly corn. Other alternatives to polypropylene yogurt containers include paper wraps, ceramic containers, and glass bottles, although these options may come with their own trade-offs in terms of transportation impact or single-serving wastefulness.
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Curbside recycling programs often don't accept polypropylene plastic
Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile, durable, strong, and eco-friendly plastic. It is also the most common type of plastic used in food packaging, including yogurt containers. While PP is technically recyclable, it is not always accepted by curbside recycling programs due to various reasons.
Firstly, polypropylene recycling is difficult and expensive. The process involves sorting PP from other plastics, which is labour-intensive and time-consuming. Additionally, it can be challenging to remove the smell of the product previously contained in the plastic, making it unsuitable for certain recycled products.
Secondly, there is a lack of infrastructure and capacity to recycle PP. In 2020, Greenpeace estimated that the US had the capacity to recycle less than 5% of its PP waste. Many recycling facilities are not equipped to handle PP, resulting in most of it ending up in landfills. This issue is not unique to the US; other countries may also lack the infrastructure to recycle PP effectively.
Furthermore, the market for recycled PP is limited. Recycled PP must compete with virgin plastics, which are often cheaper. This makes it financially challenging to recycle PP, as the cost of recycling may outweigh the potential profit.
China's ban on imported trash has also impacted the recycling of PP. Previously, China was a significant market for recycled plastics, but with the ban in place, the demand for recycled PP has decreased, further reducing its recyclable value.
Lastly, contamination is a significant issue with PP recycling. Many PP containers, such as yogurt pots, come into contact with food, which can make them unsuitable for recycling due to contamination concerns.
Due to these challenges, many curbside recycling programs do not accept polypropylene plastic. However, this does not mean that PP cannot be recycled at all. Some municipalities, like New York City, still accept #5 plastic, which includes polypropylene. Additionally, individuals can seek out specialised polypropylene recycling companies or organisations like Preserve, which has a polypropylene recycling program called Gimme5.
While curbside recycling programs may not always accept PP, it is important to recycle it properly when possible. PP can take 20-30 years to decompose in landfills, and it can release hazardous fumes and chemicals during this process. Therefore, individuals should check with their local recycling programs or seek out alternative recycling options to ensure their PP waste is disposed of responsibly.
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Stonyfield Farm offers PLA yogurt cups, a biodegradable alternative
Stonyfield Farm, the world's largest organic yogurt producer, has introduced PLA yogurt cups, which are a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic containers. This marks a significant shift towards more sustainable packaging, reducing the company's environmental footprint.
The new PLA cups are made from plants, primarily corn, and offer several advantages over petroleum-based plastics. Firstly, they use less energy and release 48% less greenhouse gas emissions than polystyrene during their lifecycle. Secondly, PLA is a stronger material, reducing breakage during shipping and forming a tighter seal with the lid. This increased strength also means less material is needed, making the packages lighter.
While Stonyfield Farm's previous multipack cups were made from polystyrene (#6 plastic), which is neither recyclable nor biodegradable, their larger-sized and single-serving containers continue to be made from #5 polypropylene plastic. This type of plastic is recyclable, but it has faced challenges due to its low recyclable value and China's ban on imported waste.
It is important to note that the end-of-life scenario for the new PLA cups is currently similar to that of their polystyrene predecessors, as neither is widely recycled. However, Stonyfield believes that PLA has the potential to provide a fully closed-loop system. Additionally, the company has addressed concerns about the use of genetically modified corn by becoming the first major purchaser of offsets through the Working Landscapes Certificate program, supporting the production of non-GM corn.
Stonyfield Farm's adoption of PLA yogurt cups is a step in the right direction, showcasing their commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. While there may be room for further improvement, their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and offer biodegradable alternatives are commendable.
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Saint Benoít yogurt is sold in reusable, returnable ceramic containers
Plastic recycling can be a challenging task, with many plastics ending up in landfills instead of being recycled. Polypropylene, or #5 plastic, is commonly used for yogurt containers, but it is not always accepted by recycling programs due to its low recyclable value. As a result, consumers are often left wondering how to properly dispose of their yogurt containers.
Saint Benoít yogurt offers a unique and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic containers. Saint Benoít yogurt is sold in reusable, returnable ceramic containers, providing a more sustainable option for consumers. The yogurt can be found at Whole Foods and Berkeley Bowl in the SF Bay Area, as well as other natural food stores. When purchasing Saint Benoít yogurt, customers pay a deposit that is refunded upon returning the ceramic container. This encourages a circular economy, reducing waste and promoting the reuse of resources.
The containers are covered with foil tops, which can be reused, and have a small plastic seal around the rim. While there is still some plastic involved, it is significantly less than buying yogurt in disposable polypropylene containers. This makes Saint Benoít yogurt a more environmentally conscious choice for consumers who are concerned about the impact of plastic waste.
In addition to Saint Benoít, there are other brands that offer yogurt in returnable containers. For example, Pinehedge Farms sells organic yogurt and kefir in 1Kg returnable glass bottles in Ontario. Stonyfield Farm has also introduced PLA (polylactic acid) yogurt cups made from plants, mainly corn. These biodegradable containers offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic containers.
By choosing yogurt brands like Saint Benoít that prioritize sustainability, consumers can play a crucial role in reducing plastic waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices in the food industry. With reusable and returnable containers, we can move towards a more circular economy and contribute to a greener future.
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Plastic recycling labels are often misleading about recyclability
The issue of misleading recycling labels is prevalent in the yogurt industry, where many yogurt containers are made of polypropylene or #5 plastic. While #5 plastic is technically recyclable, many curbside recycling programs no longer accept it due to its low recyclable value and China's ban on imported waste. As a result, some facilities are resorting to landfilling #5 plastic instead of recycling it.
To address this issue, consumers should be aware of the recyclability of the products they purchase. For example, consumers can consult their curbside recycling program's rules to determine if they accept #5 plastic. Additionally, consumers can opt for larger containers or alternative packaging, such as glass bottles, to reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste.
Furthermore, stronger labeling laws and federal guidelines are needed to ensure that recycling labels are accurate and transparent. Greenpeace has identified several companies, including Target, Nestlé, and Walmart, that use misleading recycling labels and has urged them to correct their labeling practices. By holding companies accountable and reducing plastic production and use, we can protect our communities and the environment from plastic pollution.
In conclusion, plastic recycling labels can often be misleading about the recyclability of products. Consumers should be cautious and informed about the recyclability of the products they purchase, and stronger regulations are needed to address this issue effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
#5 plastic is a category of plastics known as polypropylene. It is used to make products like yogurt containers, ketchup bottles, and common kitchenware.
#5 plastic is not accepted by all recycling programs due to its low recyclable value. Recycling #5 plastic is also a costly process as it has to be manually picked out of bales and then sold to facilities that accept it.
Yes, some companies like Stonyfield Farm and Straus offer yogurt in biodegradable containers made from polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from plants. Other alternatives include reusable ceramic containers or glass bottles.
One way is to buy yogurt in larger containers instead of single-serving sizes. You can also reuse yogurt containers for other purposes, such as storing ice cream or freezing soup.
First, check if your local recycling program accepts #5 plastic. If not, you can drop them off at a nearby collection program specifically for polypropylene plastic or mail them to a specialized recycling center.
