recyclable
A recyclable product is able to be processed and used again either as the same product or restoring it to its original state and reusing it.
Recycling symbols on the packaging help to identify how the product can be recycled.
Plastic packaging will have a chasing arrow symbol on it and a number between 1-7. These numbers are to identify the different types of plastics so they are recycled correctly.
Benefits & Considerations
- Products being reused
- Good for the environment
- Reduces the energy used to manufacture the goods
- Reduce the amount of landfill waste
- Reduces pollution
- If not put in the correct recycling bins will end up in landfill or incineration
- Recycling materials can impact the quality of new material
- Recycling availability is inconsistent from country to country leading to confusion and contaminated waste streams
polyethylene terephthalate
soft drink bottles, mineral water, fruits juice container, cooking oil
high-density polyethylene
milk jugs, cleaning agents, laundry detergents, bleaching agents, shampoo bottles, washing and shower soaps
polyvinyl chloride
trays for sweets, fruit, plastic packaging (bubble foil) and food foils to wrap the foodstuff
low-density polyethylene
crushed bottles, shopping bags, highly-resistant sacks and most of the wrappings
polypropylene
furniture, consumers, luggage, toys as well as bumpers, lining and external borders of the cars
polystyrene
toys, hard packing, refrigerator trays, cosmetic bags, costume jewellery, CD cases, vending cups
other plastics
including acrylic, polycarbonate, polylactic fibres, nylon, pla, fibreglass
waste processing
composting
Commercial or industrial composting is a large scale composting which is designed to handle a very high volume of organic waste. For packaging products to be accepted by these facilities they must have the correct certification.
recycling
Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction. Many packaging products can be recycled if disposed of in the correct way. Currently 33% of waste gets recycled.
landfill
Landfill is a site of the disposal of waste material by burial. 55% of waste items are landing up here.
incineration
A waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in waste material. Currently 12.5% of waste goes to incinerators.