Ethan Clarke
Clamshells are a tricky material to recycle. Despite being made of Polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) plastic, which has a #1 recycling code and is usually accepted for recycling, clamshells are often not recycled. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the difficulty of differentiating them from other plastics, contamination from food waste, and the different bulk density of clamshells compared to PET bottles, which makes it challenging to process them together. While clamshells are technically recyclable, few are recycled in the US, leading to a growing interest in biodegradable and compostable alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common uses | Food products like spinach, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, salad mixes, deli items, eggs, etc. |
| Typical manufacturing process | Thermoforming |
| Typical material | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) |
| Typical material type number | #1 |
| Typical material type symbol | Chasing arrows |
| Typical material type name | Polyethylene-terephthalate or PET for short |
| Typical contaminants | Food waste, oil, sticky labels, cardboard backing |
| Typical issues with recycling | Flatten easily when crushed, difficult to differentiate from other plastics, different melting temperatures, different bulk density, more fine particles when processed |
| Typical recycling solutions | Earth911 Recycling Search, Ridwell, Green Impact Plastics |
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What You'll Learn
Clamshells are made of Polyethylene-terephthalate (PET)
Another issue is that clamshells melt at a different temperature than other plastics, which can create ash and ruin the batch of recycled material. The shape of clamshells also poses a challenge during the recycling process, as they flatten easily when crushed, making it difficult for machines to sort them out. Furthermore, clamshells have a different bulk density than PET bottles, making it hard for operators and sorting equipment to differentiate them from other containers, resulting in contamination of the final PET bales.
Due to these challenges, many recycling programs and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) do not accept clamshells for recycling, even though they are made of recyclable PET plastic. However, some companies, such as Green Impact Plastics, have partnered with organizations like Ridwell to responsibly recycle clamshells, keeping them out of landfills.
To address the issue of clamshell recycling, consumers can play a role by avoiding products packaged in plastic clamshells whenever possible. Additionally, they can contact the manufacturers or producers to express their concerns and encourage them to switch to more sustainable packaging alternatives.
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Clamshells are hard to recycle due to contamination
Clamshells are a type of plastic packaging that can be recycled, but often aren't. They are made of a material that is easy to recycle in theory but difficult in practice. They are usually made of Polyethylene-terephthalate, or PET for short, which has a #1 symbol on it—one of the few plastic numbers accepted for curbside recycling. However, clamshells are an exception to this rule, with many curbside recycling services refusing to accept them.
Clamshells also melt at a different temperature than other plastics, which can create ash that ruins the batch of recycled plastic. They break into different-sized chips than plastic bottles, which means they can't simply be mixed together to form a high-quality recycled product. For these reasons, recycling facilities prefer to handle #1 PET bottles, as these produce a uniform type of plastic with a pure end product.
To avoid contaminating recycling batches with clamshells, it is recommended that consumers avoid purchasing products with clamshell packaging. They can also contact the manufacturer to express their concerns and state that they will purchase the product again when they switch to a recyclable type of packaging.
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Recycling facilities don't accept clamshells
Plastic clamshells are typically made of Polyethylene-terephthalate, or PET for short, and have a #1 symbol on them. This is usually one of the few plastic numbers accepted for curbside recycling. However, clamshells are an exception, with a large number of curbside recycling services not accepting them.
There are a few reasons why clamshells are harder to recycle and why many recycling facilities don't accept them. Firstly, clamshells are often used in the restaurant industry for takeout containers, and they come into direct contact with food. Food waste, oils, and grease are some of the largest contributors to recycling contamination. A single piece of plastic packaging contaminated with food or oil can ruin an entire batch of recyclable material.
Secondly, clamshells have labels or stickers with strong adhesives that are challenging to remove. These labels can contaminate other materials during the recycling process. Additionally, clamshells produce more fine particles when processed and have a different bulk density than PET bottles. This makes it difficult to process clamshells and bottles together, and the resulting PET bales are considered "contaminated." Recycling facilities aim to produce the purest bales of a single material to fetch the best market rate.
Another issue is that clamshells melt at a different temperature than other plastics. This difference in melting points can create ash that can ruin an entire batch of good plastic. Furthermore, clamshells are inherently difficult to sort once they reach the recycling facility. Due to their lightweight nature, they flatten easily and behave like paper on the sorting conveyor belt, making it challenging to separate them from other materials, even for facilities with advanced sorting machinery.
To address the issue of clamshells not being accepted by recycling facilities, individuals can take several steps. Firstly, consumers can avoid purchasing products packaged in plastic clamshells whenever possible. Secondly, they can contact the manufacturer or producer and express their concerns about the packaging. By indicating their willingness to repurchase the product once sustainable packaging is adopted, consumers can influence businesses to make environmentally friendly changes.
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Clamshells are a common plastic packaging
Despite being technically recyclable, clamshells are one of the trickiest materials to recycle and are often not recycled due to various challenges. One of the main issues is that they are made of Polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) plastic, which has a #1 symbol—a number usually accepted by recycling programs. However, clamshells are an exception, as they are made through a process called thermoforming, resulting in a different grade of PET with distinct properties from PET bottles. This difference in density and melting temperature creates complications during the recycling process, as clamshells need to be separated from other plastics to avoid contamination and a lower-quality end product.
Additionally, clamshells used in the food industry often contain food residue, oils, and labels with strong adhesives that are difficult to remove, further complicating the recycling process and creating the risk of ruining an entire batch of good plastic. The shape and size of clamshell lids can also be mistaken for paper or cardboard by recycling machinery, leading to sorting challenges.
To address these issues, some companies, like Ridwell, have partnered with specialized recyclers like Green Impact Plastics to ensure responsible recycling of clamshells. Individuals can also play a role by checking their local recycling guidelines and using tools like the Earth911 Recycling Search to find nearby facilities that accept clamshells. If no suitable options are available, storing these plastics for future recycling or advocating for sustainable packaging with manufacturers can help reduce waste.
While clamshells pose recycling challenges, the industry is recognizing the need for change. The demand for recycled PET content in new clamshells is increasing, especially in the food industry. Additionally, some companies, like Amazon, are implementing waste-efficient packaging standards, encouraging vendors to move away from clamshells and other plastic packaging. These efforts give hope that, with continued collaboration and innovation, the recycling of clamshells can become more widespread and effective.
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Consumers can influence businesses to change packaging
Consumers can play a pivotal role in influencing businesses to change their packaging. Firstly, consumers can actively seek out and support businesses that utilise sustainable and recyclable packaging. This sends a clear message to businesses that environmentally conscious practices are important to their customers and can encourage them to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions.
Additionally, consumers can advocate for change by providing feedback and sharing their concerns directly with manufacturers and producers. By expressing their preferences for eco-friendly alternatives, consumers can help businesses recognise the demand for sustainable packaging and encourage them to make the switch. For example, consumers can contact companies that use plastic clamshell packaging and explain that they will purchase their products again once they transition to a more recyclable type of packaging. This direct communication can be a powerful tool in influencing businesses to re-evaluate their packaging choices.
The design of a product's packaging significantly impacts consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions. Clear, attractive, and well-designed packaging can motivate consumers to buy a product, enhance their perception of a brand, and enable companies to stand out in a crowded market. By understanding the psychology of packaging and its influence on consumer behaviour, businesses can make strategic choices to attract environmentally conscious consumers. For instance, utilising colours, fonts, and graphics that convey sustainability, eco-friendliness, and a commitment to social responsibility can appeal to consumers who value these aspects.
Furthermore, consumers can actively contribute to the transition to more sustainable packaging by supporting and engaging with recycling programs. By properly sorting and disposing of recyclable materials, including plastic clamshells, consumers can help ensure that these materials are redirected from landfills and given a second life. This not only reduces waste but also sends a powerful message to businesses about the importance of using recyclable and eco-friendly packaging.
In summary, consumers have the power to influence businesses to change their packaging by making informed purchasing decisions, providing direct feedback, and supporting sustainable practices. By recognising the impact of packaging on their behaviour and the environment, consumers can drive businesses to adopt more eco-friendly alternatives and contribute to a greener future.
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Frequently asked questions
Clamshell plastic is typically labelled with the #1 symbol.
Clamshells are made of Polyethylene-terephthalate, or PET, which is highly recyclable. However, the process of thermoforming used to make clamshells results in a different grade of PET. This means that clamshells need to be manually separated from other plastics to avoid contamination.
Clamshells have different bulk density and produce more fine particles when processed compared to PET bottles and jugs. They also melt at a different temperature than other plastics, which can create ash that ruins the rest of the batch.
Check your local recycling guidelines. If clamshells are not accepted, you can store them and take them in bulk to a nearby recycling facility that does accept them.
