Facts about Recycling in Flexible Packaging

The tremendously low packaging-to-product ratio means that most of the time, even without recycling, flexible packaging uses less material than similar packaging that can be highly recycled. A PTIS casual packaging study found that recycling 50% hard plastic (56g) casual jar or metal can (98g) loses 80% more packaging material than you do. A similar 11g laminated casual bag that is more flexible and does not recycle!

This does not mean that flexible packaging cannot be recycled! Flexible packaging can and is recycled in many European countries, although not everywhere. However, new technologies are constantly being developed and improved to recycle even the most advanced laminate structures. Flexible packaging companies are actively following the progress of the most promising of these companies and will therefore encourage more countries to collect and recycle flexible packaging.

And even where recycling is not yet possible, the energy in flexible packaging is ideally recovered using a clean-burning furnace to convert the waste into energy for electricity and heat. As long as the flexible packaging container to be incinerated contains an associated film layer for an inflated barrier, only an area of this aluminum is converted to energy. Aluminum remains melting and could be obtained with current “bottom ash” furnace technology at the exit of the furnace.

When recycling flexible packaging and other materials, there are some very important facts about recycling that we should all know. It is true that recycling plastics and other materials saves resources that help protect the environment. But is it an easy continuous step? Uh … no, not always. Recycling instructions can be a bit complicated, which is why plastics allow champions to properly recycle plastics.

Here are six remarkable facts about recycling that will generally surprise you as you learn:

1. Recyclers want your plastic caps and lids: Right: Plastic caps and lids are usually made from an equivalent reusable plastic, such as milk jugs (high-density synthetic resin or HDPE). With the advancement of plastic recycling, all you can do is put those plastic caps and lids back on your bottles and containers before throwing them in the recycling bin; they will then be separated for recycling.

2. You will notice recyclable plastics almost anywhere in your home: Like the general public, you probably focus most of your recycling efforts on space. However, these plastic containers for detergent, bleach, toiletries, and produce are generally made from a plastic equivalent to flexible packaging for food, and can even be added to your plaster container as easily as that.

3. The robots and the machines do more work in recycling plastics: While many recycling plants still sort plastics by hand, more and more recyclers are using spectacular new technologies to make plastics recycling more economical, such as:

• A robot that recognizes logos and images and sorts plastic / flexible packaging at superhuman speed.

• A machine that efficiently removes labels from plastic bottles while keeping expensive plastic parts intact.

• An infrared laser that recognizes a wide variety of plastics for sorting and recycling.

4. Companies are using recycled marine plastic to make products for environmentally conscious customers: Everyone agrees that plastic has no place in our oceans. What if there were ways to clean up our oceans and at the same time breathe new life into used plastic? Well … some customer product companies and their environmentally conscious customers have come up with a technique. Some of the plastic waste from our oceans is now being used to make new products, such as high-quality sneakers, trendy glasses, and even stylish evening dresses. Ocean plastic is too valuable a resource to waste (another reason it shouldn’t pollute our oceans).

5. We recycle additional plastics: Plastic recycling has increased significantly since the measures began in the 1990s and today we have access to recycling programs for a growing variety of plastics, as well as bottles, cups, containers, lids, and bags wrappers.

6. Apparently you will notice recycled plastic products in your favorite stores: is there a plan for billions of pounds of recycled plastic? At a store near you or online. The next time you’re looking for new clothes, sneakers, children’s toys, or state-change tools, try adding “recycled plastic” to your online searches. A product that breathes new life into used plastics is easier to find than you might think.

Surprised by some or all of these recycling facts? You’re not alone. The main lesson here: Plastic recycling is growing and expanding because of some (often) amazing and innovative advancements and because of the tremendous efforts of all of us — product companies, recyclers, and others helping us. Every day. For us and our future.