Increasing Recycling in Packaging

We’ve shown you the truth about recycling and how a frighteningly large percentage of plastic in the world is not being recycled. But what about the fraction that is being recycled? What about paper recycling? While we of course want to change the system and promote more recycling of current and new materials, we cannot ignore what the current situation looks like. Until it changes, choosing products that have the highest chance of entering the right waste streams is perhaps the next best thing. Not everything will be recycled in today’s systems, so what should you look for in packaging to increase the likelihood? These are some of our suggestions:

An important consideration in selecting recyclable packaging is the diversity of materials used, not just the physical volume but the types. For instance, imagine a paper box with a plastic film and aluminum lining. When sent to a recycling facility, it poses challenges. Not all recycling plants are equipped to handle all three materials simultaneously, raising processing complications and costs. Separating these materials for recycling becomes impractical and costly for facilities, often outweighing the recycled material's value.

Designing packaging with a single material (monomaterial) like 100% cardboard, plastic, or aluminum is a solution. Yet, some packaging necessitates multiple materials for specific functions. In such cases, simplicity in material separation is vital, allowing consumers to easily separate materials before disposal.

Key takeaway: Opt for packaging using fewer materials, ideally just one. If multiple materials are essential, prioritize those easily separable and sortable by consumers.

Ensuring consumer ease and waste management efficiency, clear labeling on packaging holds significant importance. Waste management systems operate with complexity, often relying on precise logistics and infrastructure. Waste sorting at pickup sites, color-coded or bin-separated, precedes transportation to respective facilities for sorting and treatment. While waste systems vary between countries and municipalities, consumer participation remains pivotal.

Consumers play a crucial role in initial waste sorting by deciding which bin to use, impacting waste management effectiveness. Incorrect disposal, such as placing plastic bottles with cardboard, challenges the system's efficiency. Hence, the system relies on consumer-driven waste separation for effectiveness.

Clear labeling on packaging, indicating material types or disposal instructions, empowers consumers to play their part in waste management. Familiar symbols like the Mobius loop for recyclability or the 'OK Compost Home' for home composting serve as common examples.

Key takeaway: Opt for packaging with explicit labeling or disposal instructions. If absent, consider adding such labels before reaching customers

Considering printing and ink in packaging holds significance beyond aesthetics. Vibrant colors and logos appeal to buyers but impact recycling. When these inks enter recycling processes, de-inking becomes crucial to prevent contamination in new recycled material.

Inks come in pigment-based (color particles in liquid) or dye-based (dye dissolved in water). Dye-based inks pose recycling challenges, often needing bleaching due to removal difficulties. European standards suggest minimal ink use—less than 5% of total packaging weight—and favor lighter shades.

Plant-based inks, from renewable sources, offer an advantage but minimally affect recycling. Glue, like ink, presents recycling challenges. Opt for non-toxic, water-soluble glue that degrades during recycling. Minimizing adhesive use supports recycling, emphasizing moderation.

Key takeaway: Choose packaging with minimal printing; consider pigment/plant-based ink. Practice conservative printing and opt for non-toxic, water-soluble glues. Simple designs can be more environmentally friendly.

Material choice is a critical factor in sustainable packaging, albeit a challenging one. Realistically, environmental actions must align with practical feasibility. Examining recycling rates in the EU offers insights. In 2018, municipal packaging waste saw respectable average recycling rates: paper/cardboard (82.9%), metallic (80%), glass (74.7%), plastic (41.8%), and wooden packaging (34.6%). These rates for conventional materials reflect established recycling infrastructure.

However, as innovative materials like bio-based plastics and alternative paper products enter the market, recycling feasibility evolves. Some bio-based plastics, structurally akin to petroleum-based ones, offer recyclability, per European Bioplastics. While research explores recyclability for unique materials, widespread commercial viability lags, hindering recycling rates.

Key takeaway: We don't discourage bio-based or alternative material packaging. In fact, popularizing these could expedite their recycling potential. Yet, for packaging likely to be recycled, opt for conventional materials like paper or cardboard, compatible with existing recycling systems.