Chloe Zhang
Candy wrappers are often made from a combination of materials, including plastic, aluminum, paper, and even food residue, which makes them notoriously difficult to recycle. This complex composition means that recycling facilities struggle to separate and process the materials efficiently, so they often end up in landfills. While some specialized facilities can recycle candy wrappers, they are rare, and the cost of breaking down the materials is high.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Plastic, aluminum, paper, tin, and multiple other materials mixed together |
| Recyclability | Not recyclable using traditional methods due to complex composition and small size; however, specialized facilities like Brightmark's Plastics Renewal can recycle them |
| Environmental Impact | Often end up in landfills, contributing to waste |
| Alternatives | Biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable paper materials |
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What You'll Learn
- Candy wrappers are often a mix of plastic and aluminium
- This combination is known as metallised plastic or metallised film
- The two materials are hard to separate, making recycling difficult
- Some companies are exploring biodegradable and compostable materials
- There are specialised facilities that can recycle these wrappers
Candy wrappers are often a mix of plastic and aluminium
The complex composition of candy wrappers sets them apart from materials like plastic, paper, glass, or pure aluminium, which can be easily separated and repurposed. The mix of materials in candy wrappers makes it hard for recycling facilities to sort and process them efficiently. In addition, food residue or contaminants on the wrappers can further complicate the recycling process.
As a result, candy wrappers often end up in landfills, contributing to waste problems. While some specialised recycling companies, like Brightmark, have developed innovative techniques to recycle candy wrappers, these wrappers are still not widely accepted by most recycling programs.
To address the environmental impact of candy wrapper waste, consumers can opt for candy with recyclable packaging, such as 100% paper or aluminium foil. Some companies, like Nestlé, are also exploring the use of biodegradable and compostable materials, offering more sustainable alternatives to traditional candy wrappers.
While it may be challenging to recycle candy wrappers through conventional means, there are a few recyclers that accept these materials. For example, TerraCycle in the US and the UK, and the Recycle program in Australia, specialise in recycling complex materials. Consumers can also research candy companies that are mindful of their packaging choices, supporting those that prioritise sustainability.
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This combination is known as metallised plastic or metallised film
Candy wrappers are typically made from a combination of plastic and aluminium. This combination is known as metallised plastic or metallised film. The materials are challenging to separate, making it nearly impossible to recycle candy wrappers using traditional methods. While the aluminium in the wrappers is recyclable, the plastic component is generally contaminated with food residue, further complicating the recycling process.
The complex composition of candy wrappers, including the mix of plastic and aluminium, poses difficulties for recycling facilities in sorting and processing the materials efficiently. The small size of the wrappers also contributes to the challenge, as they are difficult to weigh at local recycling stations. Consequently, most recycling programs do not accept candy wrappers or have specific guidelines for their disposal, often requiring separate bins or specialised recycling facilities.
The inability to recycle candy wrappers through single-stream recycling has led to their prevalence in landfills. However, specialised facilities are employing innovative techniques, such as pyrolysis, to break down the wrappers into their original building blocks for repurposing. For instance, Brightmark's Plastics Renewal® technology can recycle all plastic types, even those challenging to recycle like candy wrappers, and convert them into new circular products.
While recycling candy wrappers may not solve the entire waste problem, it represents a small but significant step towards a more sustainable future. Consumers can play a role by researching and supporting candy companies that utilise more environmentally conscious packaging materials, such as biodegradable or compostable options, or recyclable paper. Additionally, individuals can explore alternative recycling options, such as specialised recycling companies that accept metallised plastic or metallised film.
In summary, the combination of plastic and aluminium in candy wrappers, known as metallised plastic or metallised film, presents unique recycling challenges due to the difficulty in separating the materials. However, specialised recycling facilities and innovative technologies offer potential solutions, contributing to a more sustainable approach to managing candy wrapper waste.
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The two materials are hard to separate, making recycling difficult
Candy wrappers are typically made from a combination of materials, most commonly plastic and aluminium, but also paper, tin, and multiple other materials. This mix of materials makes them very hard to recycle using traditional methods.
The difficulty lies in separating the different materials. Plastic and aluminium, for example, are challenging to separate because they are so different. Aluminium is a metal, and therefore has different properties to plastic, which is derived from oil. The two materials need to be separated at specialist recycling facilities, but even then, it is a complex and expensive process.
The small size of candy wrappers also contributes to the challenge of recycling them. Their size makes them difficult to weigh at local recycling stations, and they can easily be missed and end up contaminating other materials such as paper. Food residue on the wrappers can further complicate the recycling process.
Some companies are exploring alternative candy wrapper options that are more environmentally conscious. For example, Nestlé is investigating the use of biodegradable and compostable materials, as well as recyclable paper. There are also some specialised recycling companies that can recycle mixed-material candy wrappers, such as Brightmark, which uses pyrolysis to break down wrappers into their original building blocks. However, these companies are rare, and most candy wrappers end up in landfills.
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Some companies are exploring biodegradable and compostable materials
Candy wrappers are often made from a mix of materials, such as plastic and aluminium, or paper and aluminium, making them difficult to recycle. They often end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and waste challenges. However, some companies are exploring biodegradable and compostable materials to address this issue.
One such company is Alter Eco, which has introduced the first home compostable candy wrapper. The wrapper looks like normal metallic foil, but it can be planted in your backyard or compost bin after use. It is made from sustainably grown birch and eucalyptus trees, giving it a paper-like quality, and it burns like paper. The wrapper also contains a tiny amount of aluminium, which breaks down into an environment where bugs, worms, and fungi can thrive. Alter Eco is now working to make all of its packaging compostable and hopes that compostable packaging will become more widespread in the industry.
Another company, Nestlé, is exploring the use of biodegradable and compostable materials, as well as recyclable paper, for its candy wrappers. Other companies, such as Reese's, Dots, Nerds, Mars bars, and Junior Mints, offer candy in recyclable packaging, such as aluminium, cardboard, paper, or plastic.
Biodegradable candy wrappers are designed to decompose naturally, reducing their environmental impact and catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly products. They are predominantly crafted from biopolymers like PE (Polyethylene) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) alternatives that are engineered to break down over time. Biodegradable wrappers offer versatility and can be customised for various applications, such as grocery or pharmaceutical packaging. They also provide businesses with an opportunity to enhance brand visibility and demonstrate environmental responsibility, potentially influencing purchasing decisions and fostering brand loyalty.
While recycling candy wrappers may not solve the entire waste problem, it is a small step towards a more sustainable future. Consumers can play a role by researching and supporting companies that use more eco-friendly packaging materials. Additionally, advanced recycling technologies, such as Brightmark's Plastics Renewal® technology, offer promising solutions by recycling all plastic types, including difficult-to-recycle plastics like candy wrappers.
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There are specialised facilities that can recycle these wrappers
Candy wrappers are usually made from a combination of materials, such as plastic, aluminium, and paper. This mix of materials makes it difficult for traditional recycling facilities to separate and process them efficiently. As a result, most recycling programs do not accept candy wrappers, and they often end up in landfills. However, there are specialised facilities that can recycle these wrappers.
One such company is TerraCycle, which offers a Zero Waste Box solution. Individuals and businesses can order this box, collect candy wrappers and other flexible plastic-based snack packaging, and ship it back to TerraCycle for recycling. TerraCycle then separates the wrappers into their fibres and plastics. The fibres are composted or recycled, while the plastics are used to create new products. This process ensures that candy wrappers do not end up in landfills, reducing pollution and environmental impact.
Brightmark is another company with specialised recycling technology. They employ advanced techniques like pyrolysis to break down complex materials, such as candy wrappers, into their original building blocks. These building blocks can then be used to create new circular products. Brightmark's Plastics Renewal® technology can recycle all types of plastic, including challenging-to-recycle plastics commonly found in candy wrappers.
Some candy companies are also taking initiatives to use more environmentally friendly packaging. For example, Nestlé is exploring the use of biodegradable and compostable materials, as well as recyclable paper. Additionally, Mars introduced an eco-friendly candy wrapper for Snickers in Europe in 2016, and there are hopes to bring this initiative to the United States as well.
While the existence of specialised recycling facilities for candy wrappers is encouraging, it is important to note that the market for recovered candy wrappers is still developing. The small size and complex composition of candy wrappers make them challenging to recycle, and the volume of discarded wrappers may not always be sufficient to create a strong economic incentive for recycling facilities. Nonetheless, by supporting companies that use eco-conscious packaging and patronising candy companies that prioritise sustainable materials, individuals can play a role in reducing the environmental impact of candy wrapper waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Candy wrappers are typically made from polypropylene plastic, a flexible material that preserves the product.
Candy wrappers are hard to recycle because they are often made from a combination of plastic and aluminium, which is difficult to separate. Some smaller-scale chocolate brands provide either recyclable or compostable packaging.
Mars, Cadbury's and Nestlé are examples of companies that use plastic candy wrappers.
