A new report from the Alliance to End Plastic Waste names separate waste collection, post-consumer recyclate targets, and extended producer responsibility among the essential factors to improve recyclability for flexible plastics.
Currently, flexible plastic is thought to represent over 50% of the global plastic packaging market – and consumer demand is expected to push the figure higher. The cost of flexible plastic is also said to be high relative to virgin plastic feedstock.
As such, the Alliance lays out a roadmap to enabling the adoption of flexible plastic. This includes the creation of homogenous, high-quality recycling feedstock.
Collection and sorting processes could be improved by introducing segregated waste collection and granular secondary sorting, the report suggests – potentially using advanced detection technologies like digital watermarking and AI recognition.
Design-for-recyclability guidelines could also avoid complexity and barriers to recycling by harmonizing material choices, according to the Alliance.
Furthermore, boosting end-market demand for recyclable material could incentivize investment across the supply chain. Policy mechanisms such as mandatory post-consumer recycled content targets, as well as financial interventions like extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, are anticipated to achieve this goal.
Eco-modulated EPR fees could encourage producers to simplify their packaging designs. It may also usher in packaging designs that are both recyclable and cost-efficient, and ensure fair competition.
To maintain the necessary capital for infrastructure upgrades, the Alliance recommends de-risking investment and improving return on investment. Potential approaches include corporation tax relief, labour and energy subsidies, and concessional loans.
“Delivering materials circularity for flexible plastics is complex but achievable,” says Jacob Duer, president and CEO at the Alliance. “Solutions to improve the end-of-life management of plastic products already exist. Combined with industry action and regulatory momentum, there is a real opportunity to improve the rate and quality of flexible films recycling in an accelerated timeframe.
“The Alliance to End Plastic Waste will focus on demonstrating solutions that deliver systems change. Driving this will require coordinated action across the system, including identifying clear end-market opportunities for recyclates. In turn, this will make a viable business case for the investment necessary to evolve infrastructure for collection, sorting, and recycling.”
Looking ahead, the Alliance is establishing a Flexibles Thematic Program in pursuit of a circular economy for flexibles. Focusing on market mapping, system design, demonstration projects and replication, it hopes to roll out the programme in Europe and North America.
It will simultaneously introduce Country-Specific Programmes in Brazil, Indonesia, India, South Africa, and in states of the Gulf Cooperation Council – hoping to advance their plastic recycling infrastructure in line with national priorities.
In similar news, the Recycling Leadership Council was recently formed to ‘modernize’ the American recycling system and help overcome the plastic waste crisis. Closed Loop Partners and the Consumer Brands Association are among the founding members.
Additionally, Greenback Recycling Technologies and Amcor have joined forces to installing an advanced recycling module at Amcor’s Heanor facility and convert post-consumer flexible packaging into pyrolytic oil for food-grade plastics.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
The ‘complex reality’ of reusable packaging in Europe
Single-use packaging versus reusable packaging: Which is more sustainable?
The ultimate guide to global packaging sustainability regulation
No comments yet