Sofia Martinez
Plastic clamshells are a popular packaging choice for retailers, especially in the food industry, due to their durability, lightweight nature, and ability to display products. However, they have become a significant challenge for the recycling industry. While clamshells are technically recyclable, the process is complicated by the variety of plastic types used and the presence of adhesive stickers. Many recycling programs do not accept clamshells, leading to confusion among consumers about how to properly dispose of them. As a result, initiatives like Ridwell in Portland and Seattle have emerged to address the issue, partnering with companies to recycle clear plastic clamshells.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Plastic clamshells are theoretically recyclable, but many recycling programs don't accept them due to the different processes used to produce them, which result in different grades and densities of PET plastic. |
| Adhesive Stickers | Clamshells often have labels with strong adhesives that are difficult to remove, making them unusable for recycling even if the plastic itself is recyclable. |
| Consumer Action | Consumers can advocate for their local recycling centers to accept clamshells, recycle them themselves by removing stickers, or avoid purchasing products with clamshell packaging. |
| Retailer Benefits | Clamshell packaging is popular with retailers because it is lightweight, durable, and harder to shoplift. It is also cheaper to make and can be hung or freestanding. |
| Food Industry Usage | The food industry accounts for a significant portion of clamshell packaging use, including products like berries, salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and eggs. |
| Safety Concerns | Clamshells can be difficult to open and may cause injuries. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic clamshells are recyclable but not always recycled
Plastic clamshells are a popular packaging choice for retailers and the food industry. They are lightweight, durable, and protect products from damage during transport. However, despite being theoretically recyclable, they are not always accepted by recycling programs.
The main challenge with recycling plastic clamshells is that they are often made of Polyethylene-terephthalate (PET), which is a recyclable material, but the clamshells are produced using a process called thermoforming, resulting in a different grade of PET with specific uses. This means that even though plastic #1 bottles and clamshells are both made of PET, the recycling processes for each are distinct.
Another issue is that plastic clamshells often have labels or adhesive stickers that are difficult to remove, making them unusable for recycling. Additionally, the variety of plastics used in clamshell-like packaging can make it challenging even for trained recycling technicians to identify the correct type of plastic and its recyclability.
Some local recycling programs, such as Ridwell in Portland and Seattle, have partnered with companies like Green Impact Plastics to specifically recycle plastic clamshells. However, it is important to check with your local recycling center or use online tools to find a suitable recycling solution for plastic clamshells in your area.
To reduce the impact of plastic clamshells on the environment, it is recommended to avoid purchasing products packaged in them whenever possible. Consumers can also advocate for their local recycling centers to accept clamshells and bring their own reusable containers for leftovers or to-go orders from restaurants.
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Recycling centres often don't accept them
Plastic clamshells are difficult to recycle, and many recycling centres do not accept them. This is because they are made using a process called thermoforming, which results in a different grade of plastic with a different density compared to PET bottles and jugs, which are made through blow moulding. Recycling facilities lose money by dealing with this lower-quality PET plastic when clamshells are mixed in with bottles and jugs, so many facilities won't accept them for recycling.
Clamshells are also often covered in adhesive stickers, which are difficult to remove and result in the clamshells not being usable for recycling.
If your local recycling program does not accept plastic clamshells, you should keep them out of your recycling bin. However, they are recyclable, so you can use Earth911's Recycling Search to find a local recycling solution for plastic clamshells.
In Portland and select areas of Seattle and South Puget Sound, Ridwell offers a service where they will pick up clear plastic clamshells from your front door and recycle them.
You can also advocate for your recycling centre to accept clamshells and other packaging if they don't already.
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They can be recycled into plastic-derived fuel
Plastic clamshells are a common packaging material, used for everything from food to electronics. They are made from two identical plastic "shells" that fit around the product and are sealed on one side. While plastic clamshells can technically be recycled, they are often not accepted by recycling programs due to the varying grades of plastic they are made from and the difficulty of differentiating them from other plastics during the recycling process.
However, there is hope that plastic clamshells and other plastic waste can be recycled into plastic-derived fuel. Alternative energy companies are increasingly looking into using Material Recovery Facility (MRF) "plastic residue" to create fuel. While there is currently no widely available solution, there are a variety of catalytic pyrolysis reactors in development that aim to process plastic waste into fuel.
Another method of creating fuel from plastic waste is through an open burn". This process involves burning the plastic to create electricity, but it is not ideal as it releases harmful emissions into the air. A more efficient way to burn plastic for fuel is by pressing the plastic into bricks and using them as fuel in a waste-to-energy incinerator.
While recycling plastic clamshells into fuel is not yet a widely available solution, there are ongoing efforts to improve the process and make it more accessible. In the meantime, individuals can take steps to reduce their use of plastic clamshells, such as avoiding purchasing products packaged in clamshells and advocating for businesses to switch to more sustainable packaging options.
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They're hard to distinguish from non-recyclable plastics
Plastic clamshells are difficult to distinguish from non-recyclable plastics during the recycling process. This is due to the variety of plastic packaging and the challenges of optical sorting technology. Sorting equipment and operators at material recovery facilities (MRFs) struggle to differentiate clamshells from other similarly shaped containers made of different plastics. The presence of clamshells can contaminate the final PET bales, reducing their market value.
Additionally, the recycling process for clamshells is further complicated by the use of different production processes for various PET containers. Clamshells are typically made using thermoforming, while bottles and jugs are produced through blow moulding. These distinct processes result in PET products of different grades, each with specific uses. The varying grades of PET plastic can impact the purity of recycled PET bales, which is a critical factor in determining their market rate.
Furthermore, the recycling of clamshells is hindered by the presence of adhesive stickers, food residues, and cardboard backing on blister packs. These contaminants can be challenging to remove, further complicating the recycling process and reducing the likelihood of clamshells being accepted by recycling programs.
While clamshells are technically recyclable, the challenges of sorting and contamination contribute to the low recycling rates of clamshells in certain regions, particularly in the United States. The distinction between recyclable and non-recyclable clamshells is crucial for effective recycling, and ongoing improvements in technology and consumer awareness are necessary to address these challenges.
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They're hard to open and cause injuries
Plastic clamshells are notoriously difficult to open and have been voted the worst design ever. They have even spawned the term "wrap rage", exemplified by comedian Larry David's attempt to open one. The term refers to the feeling of aggravation and annoyance that comes from trying to open clamshell packaging. Each year, about 6,000 people visit the emergency room with injuries and puncture wounds caused by hard plastic clamshells. Thousands more seek medical treatment for cuts and other injuries from attempting to open clamshells and similar packages.
The problem with clamshells is that they are made from two identical plastic "shells" that fit around the product and hinge on one side. When the sides are pressed together, snaps form a seal, and some of these seals are very difficult to unfasten. In addition, clamshells often have adhesive stickers attached, which, when they cannot be removed, render the container unrecyclable.
To open a clamshell package, you may need to use tools such as scissors, tin snips, or a dedicated clamshell opener like the Zip-it Opener. However, these tools can pose a risk of hand injury, especially when dealing with tough, slippery plastic.
The difficulty in opening clamshells has prompted calls for the elimination of this type of packaging. Alternatives to clamshell packaging are being developed, with some big-box stores considering using different packaging as part of their sustainability goals. For example, Home Depot has begun packaging its Husky tools in paperboard, while Target has eliminated plastic packaging from some lightbulbs and socks.
To avoid injuries from plastic clamshells, it is important to use caution when attempting to open them. If possible, use a dedicated clamshell opener or a tool specifically designed for opening tough plastic packaging. It is also important to be aware of the correct way to open clamshells to minimize the risk of injury.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic clamshells are a type of packaging made from two identical plastic "shells" that fit around a product and hinge on one side. They are commonly used for food products like spinach, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and eggs.
Plastic clamshells are difficult to recycle due to the nature of the materials used to make them. While they are made of recyclable PET plastic, the process of thermoforming gives them a different density than PET bottles, which are created through blow molding. Additionally, clamshells often have labels with strong adhesives that are challenging to remove, further complicating the recycling process.
Before attempting to recycle plastic clamshells, make sure to remove any stickers or adhesive labels. Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept clamshells. If not, you can use online resources, such as the Earth911 Recycling Search, to find a local recycling solution specifically for plastic clamshells.
If your local recycling program does not accept plastic clamshells, keep them out of your recycling bin to avoid contamination. Instead, look for alternative options, such as partnering with organizations or companies that specialize in recycling clamshells, like Ridwell in Portland and select areas of Seattle and South Puget Sound.
To reduce the use of plastic clamshells, you can advocate for waste-efficient packaging standards and encourage retailers to adopt more sustainable alternatives. Additionally, bring your own reusable containers when purchasing food items or leftovers to avoid using single-use plastic clamshells.
