Recycling Trends
Addressing Challenges and Innovations in Packaging
In Europe, the conversation surrounding packaging recyclability continues to evolve, with a growing focus on sustainability. While businesses stay aligned with regional regulations, there remains a need for greater awareness of global recycling trends and emerging legislation.
A key topic in the industry is the use of plastic materials, particularly polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), which are commonly found in packaging materials like plastic bags. Variations of these materials include HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, Cast PP (CPP), and BOPP (Bi-Oriented PP). Currently, closures in the packaging industry are predominantly made from PE due to its cost-effectiveness when compared to PP.
However, a significant shift is underway. Beginning in January 2024, Europe has increasingly prioritized mono recycling, encouraging the use of mono-extruded films rather than multilayer alternatives that contain multiple polymers. The goal is to simplify the recycling process by promoting packaging that can be more easily sorted and recycled.
A prominent example of this trend is Coca-Cola’s innovative bottle design, which features an attached cap. Although the bottle itself remains made from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), the cap, made of PP, is minimal in size and contributes less than 5% of the total waste, qualifying it as mono-recyclable.
In the food packaging sector, there is growing advocacy for the use of tape closures, specifically Innoseal Tape, for plastic bags. The adhesive nature of this tape ensures it remains intact throughout the recycling process, aligning with Europe’s shift toward mono recycling. This innovation has minimal impact (typically 2% or less) on the overall recycling effort, offering an eco-friendly solution without compromising efficiency.
Moreover, many recycling facilities now classify PP closures and plastic bags as part of the same family, easing the integration of tape closures into the recycling stream. This eliminates concerns often raised about alternative closure methods, such as clips, strings, or twist ties, which may not be as reliable during recycling.
As the packaging industry adapts to evolving sustainability standards, these trends and innovations mark significant progress in the drive towards more efficient recycling and waste reduction.
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