PETpla.net Insider 01+02 / 2021

MATERIALS / RECYCLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 22 No. 01+02/21 www.petpla.net 15 Recycling & sustainability Spurred by consumers, govern- ment regulators around the world, non- government organisations and brands themselves, companies that use plastic bottles and packaging are making significant commitments and strides on sustainability. As the report shows, Europe is more advanced than the U.S. in recycling packaging and food service plastics: approximately 40% of overall plastics packaging is recycled by EU nations compared to 28% in the U.S. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are leading the effort by establishing significant targets. When it comes to PET bot- tles specifically, approximately 37% single-serve PET bottled water con- tainers are recycled, according to the National Association for PET Container Resources (Napcor). These rates exceed other bottle and plastic recycling rates; however, the bottled water indus- try and other beverage manufacturers recognise the need to improve recycling and usage of rPET bottling. Also in the focus of bottling design innovation is the tethered cap. A number of plastics companies have developed tethering designs to help brands meet the EU requirement and improve recyclability. In the U.S., tethered caps are expected to increase in usage as loose caps cause significant material loss when recycled mechanically and can leak into the environment. Plastics and its members believe the challenging factors in recycling are not insurmountable, but that cur- rent mechanical recycling efforts will not be able to meet the demand from businesses for quality recycled mate- rial. The report states that recycling infrastructure needs to improve and chemical recycling technologies will need to scale up and increase effi- ciencies in the coming years. With many major brands making packaging and bottling sustainability pledges that increase from 25% recycled content in 2025 to 50% or more recycled mate- rial content by 2030, more recycled content will need to be processed and made available to the market. The major issues hindering recy- cling in the U.S., according to the Recycling Partnership, are: 1) Packaging innovation has out- paced the capabilities of recycling systems. 2) Demand for recycled material out- strips supply. 3) Underlying challenges create a difficult environment to develop a sustainably funded and responsive recycling system. The International Society of Bever- age Technologists (ISBT) is develop- ing guidelines and recommendations for bottle designers to incorporate recycled PET material and improve packaging for current recycling stream companies to meet their sustainability goals. Brands are actively discussing the balance among sustainability, the recycling of the bottle, and marketing/ sales of product. Recycling challenges in the U.S.  Virgin material costs vs. recycled material costs: Given current prices and supply of raw materi- als globally, the cost of recycled packaging material is more than virgin plastics. During tough eco- nomic times, costs influence pur- chasing decisions of both brands and consumers.  Antiquated municipal recycling facilities (MRFs): Many of the recycling systems in metropolitan areas were designed more than 40 years ago; the kinds of mate- rials being sent to MRFs have changed over the years (less newspaper/more plastic) as have technologies and capabilities, like laser sorting systems and improved landfill designs.  Confusing/conflicting recycling rules and systems: The public and private sectors are pro- moting recycling and offering infrastructure, but rules can vary from one community to the next. Improved recycling consisten- cies, education, and enforcement can help increase and improve recycling.  China’s “Operation National Sword”: In 2018, China enacted a national programme to ban (or dramatically limit) foreign recy- cling waste. For years, China imported 45% of the world’s plas- tic waste as well as other recycled materials. China’s new policy has overwhelmed America’s recycling system, changing the economics of recycling and management of waste.  Local vs. state vs. national priori- ties for recycling/infrastructure: Recycling, compared to other infrastructure systems (roads, public transportation, water and sewage systems), is often overlooked and underfunded. Prioritising recycling at all levels of government and harmonising recycling systems will enhance recycling rates and the availabil- ity of recycled material.  Evolving packaging design: Packaging systems for foods, beverages, and other consumer items can use a number of materials, including plastics. But some changes to packaging can improve their likelihood of being recycled, such as easily removed labels, inks and glues. Brands and packaging designs need to continue to focus on end-of-life issues to improve recycling rates.  Contamination: The National Waste and Recycling Association estimates 25% of the nation’s recycling stream is contaminated material - significantly higher than the 7% contamination rate just 10 years ago. With 40% of Americans indicating they try to recycle “maybes” into their bins, conflicting rules and “wishcycling” add to contamination problems and rates. The complete report with all insights, data and market analyses is available at www.plasticsindustry.org Michael E. O’Leary, Senior Tech- nical Services and Marketing Rep- resentative at DAK Americas and member of ISBT states: “The chal- lenge that we see, even in reaching the 2025 recycled content goal, is the availability of recycled material. One immediate factor impacting these goals is Covid-19; many of the bottle deposit states are not collecting bot- tles right now. It is very difficult to get the necessary amount of content for producers to make the recycled PET and sell it to brand companies and converters,” O’Leary added. www.plasticsindustry.org