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Recyclability of packaging vs. renewable packaging
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Title:
Recyclability of packaging vs. renewable packaging
Summary:
Is it more beneficial to focus on recyclability of packaging or on renewable packaging?
Content:
Is it more beneficial (in the USA) to focus on recyclability of packaging (thus using existing infrastructure) or to focus on renewable packaging (potentially removing packaging from current recycling processes and putting into a waste stream)?
Comment
Believe the " 4 R's " when it comes to sustainable packaging are:
1. Renewability
2. Remove
3. Reduce
4. Recycle
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At some point renewability will likely be the preferred end life of a container. However, in today's world it is currently more beneficial to reduce packaging AND maximize PCR and recyclability by using a package resin that is commonly recycled (HDPE or PET). Unfortunately, there are too few municipal facilities available that accept renewable packaging materials. Most often these materials will find their way to a landfill.
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Oh, let's not forget about biodegradable packaging, and packaging that can be composted in anyone's home/work compost pile. Some plastics such as PLA can be biodegradable. Those are starch-based and can be made from renewable resources (corn).
Personally, I believe in reducing waste as much as possible (minimize packaging materials), and recycling as much as possible using existing recycling infrastructure, as well as using as many renewable/sustainable materials as possible (bamboo, wood, corn). If we focus on using more sustainable materials that can also be recycled, such as bamboo or wood, then that would be ideal. Most of our recyclable packaging (plastic bottles and soda cans) end up NOT being recycled today.
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