Sustainable Packaging: Navigating the Plastic Recycling Maze

In the ever-evolving landscape of environmental sustainability, the conversation around plastic packaging has taken center stage. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, “Recycling” became the most common way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to a more sustainable approach. But, are we sure we all know how recycling works? And most importantly, is it the go-to solution for the challenges our environment is facing?

The Traditional Plastic Recycling Path

Our recycling journey, once the packaging has been thrown away by the customer, consists of 4 main steps:

Collection: The first stage of the stream is the collection of plastic waste. Environment-aware users, local recycling programs, collection centers, play a pivotal role in gathering these materials.
Sorting: Upon collection, the objects are sorted based on their resin types. It’s important to remind that not every plastic is the same: many plastics can be easily recycled (e.g. PET, PE, PP), some others are harder to process (e.g. PC, PS, PMMA), and some more just can’t be recycled (e.g. Melaminics or Bakelite). The sorting phase also ensures that similar materials are grouped and continue their recycling route together, as different plastics require distinct recycling procedures.
Cleaning: Cleanliness is crucial in the recycling world. All the objects are thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminants like residues or labels that might hinder the recycling process.
Shredding and Melting: After cleaning, plastics are shredded into small pieces and then melted to form pellets. These pellets serve as the building blocks for creating new plastic products.

The Pros of Traditional Plastic Recycling

*Greenpeace’s analysis on recycling of some common use items*

There is no doubt that recycling is a valid option, as it ensures:

Resource Conservation: By recycling we are able to reduce the demand for new raw materials, conserving natural resources and energy.
Waste Reduction: Diverting plastics from landfills helps in reducing the overall volume of waste, contributing to a cleaner environment.

Room for Improvement:

Despite providing help in managing the plastic crisis, recycling alone is not enough, the main reasons being:

Limited Types: Not all plastics are recyclable, and the process is most effective for a specific range of plastics, excluding some common packaging materials.
Contamination Challenges: Even with cleaning efforts, contamination remains a significant issue, affecting the quality (and sometimes safety) of recycled materials.
Energy Intensive: The process of melting and reshaping plastics demands a considerable amount of energy, contributing to the carbon footprint.

Microplastics and Inefficiencies

Despite the best efforts in traditional recycling, inefficiencies persist. Research indicates that a quite relevant portion of plastic waste (up to 13%) transforms into microplastics during processing, with the high risk of being released into the air and water, despite filters and safety procedures. These tiny plastic particles pose environmental threats and can potentially find their way into ecosystems, impacting both wildlife and human health.

mBlack™ : A Biodegradable Material For Traceless Packaging

With the cosmetic industry producing a shocking 120 billions of packaging units per year, companies are constantly looking for innovation and solutions to improve their eco-compatibility. In the pursuit of such sustainable alternatives, mPackting has developed mBlack™, for a cosmetic packaging that disappears. Unlike traditional plastics mBlack™ is designed to decompose naturally, minimizing its environmental impact. The material is derived from renewable, natural resources and leaves no trace when degrading, except a soil enhancing, CO2 sinking compost.

Interested in knowing more about mBlack™ or discussing a project? Get in touch!

Sustainable Packaging: Navigating the Plastic Recycling Maze