Understanding Plastic Recycling: The Challenges and Misconceptions
Recycling is a widely discussed process, making it essential to debunk myths surrounding it. When it comes to plastic—especially flexible packaging—there is a lot of misinformation. With only 9% of plastic worldwide being recycled, it raises an important question: Is recycling truly a viable solution for plastic packaging?
To understand the reality of plastic recycling, let’s break down some common myths.
Myth #1: All plastic packaging can be recycled
Why Not All Plastics Are Recyclable
No, not all plastics packaging can be recycled. In fact, not all plastic is recyclable. As not all created plastic is equal, the disposal of plastic will vary from one type of plastic to another. Different polymers, compositions and characteristics call for different recycling methodology processes. While soft drinks bottles are widely recycled, flexible plastic packaging can technically be recycled, but mostly they aren’t. Due to their lightweight and food contamination, flexible bags get tangled up in the machines and cause stoppage.
The Problem with Flexible Packaging
Technically, flexible plastic packaging can be recycled, but in reality, it rarely is. Its lightweight nature and potential for food contamination cause it to clog recycling machinery, making it difficult and costly to process. Additionally, many recycling facilities lack the infrastructure to handle flexible plastics, as they require specialized equipment. Because they are often multi-layered materials combining different polymers, separating and processing them efficiently is nearly impossible. As a result, most flexible plastics are downcycled, incinerated, or sent to landfills, rather than being truly recycled into new products.
Myth #2: Plastic polymers can be recycled multiple times
How Many Times Can Plastic Be Recycled?
Unlike glass or metal, plastic can only be recycled between 1 to 6 times, and even then, its quality degrades each time. Every recycling cycle shortens the polymer chains, making the plastic weaker. To maintain usability, manufacturers must add virgin plastic, meaning plastic recycling is not a truly circular solution.
Myth #3: Plastic Recycling Works
The Harsh Reality of Plastic Waste Management
While plastic recycling exists, it is not nearly as effective as many believe. In 2024, only 9% of plastic waste in the U.S. was actually recycled, the same percentage as in 2018. Despite no significant improvement, challenges remain due to factors like restrictions on exporting plastic waste.
What Happens to Non-Recycled Plastic?
The majority of plastic waste ends up in landfills, oceans, and even in our bodies as microplastics. This contributes to environmental and health concerns that recycling has failed to address.
Myth #4: All Plastic Bottles Are Recycled Equally
Why Dark-Colored Plastics Are Hard to Recycle
Many consumers believe that tossing colorful plastic packaging into the recycling bin ensures its reuse. However, dark-colored plastics are difficult, if not impossible, to recycle. Similar to mixing paint, darker colors are harder to change into new materials, making them less valuable in the recycling process. While some recycling facilities may accept them, most do not, meaning these plastics are more likely to end up in landfills than being repurposed.
What Plastics Have the Best Recycling Rates?
If you want to improve recyclability, choose clear or white plastic packaging whenever possible. These are the easiest to process and more likely to be recycled effectively.
Myth #5: There’s Only One Alternative to Recycling
The Role of Compostable Packaging in Reducing Plastic Waste
Recycling alone will not solve the plastic waste crisis. While it works for materials like water bottles and milk jugs, most plastics, especially flexible packaging, lack a sustainable end-of-life solution. Compostable packaging offers an alternative by breaking down naturally, eliminating waste instead of accumulating it.
What Consumers and Businesses Can Do to Help
To truly combat plastic waste, reducing, reusing, and switching to compostable packaging alternatives are crucial steps. TIPA’s compostable packaging provides a zero-waste alternative, helping to divert plastic and organic waste from landfills while leaving no lasting pollution.
Conclusion
Understanding what can and cannot be recycled is essential in addressing plastic pollution. Instead of relying solely on recycling, we must embrace new solutions, like compostable packaging, to move towards a world with zero plastic waste.
To learn more about how TIPA’s compostable packaging is shaping the future, visit our portfolio today!
