The challenge of recyclability

We have become used to it: issuing report after report, experts continue warning us of the dangers threatening the planet. Governments, businesses, and individuals alike have become aware of the need to reduce waste. But where should they start? What are the main challenges? Are recycling solutions sufficient?

Extract, manufacture, use, discard. These four words sum up the linear economic system that has driven world growth since the 19th century. After UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres officially declared a “state of climate emergency” some months ago, it is truly time for change: make way for recycling and make way for the circular economy.

Global challenge – local responses

The challenge is obviously global. In the last years, international environmental summits and global initiatives are multiplying in number, Europe is currently harmonizing packaging regulations, binding action is in sight. For now, “local” responses are being provided: The EU aims to recycle 55% of municipal waste and 65% of packaging waste by 2025. In France in 2017, the government set a target of recycling 100% of plastic waste by 2025 – versus 22% in 2016.

Adapting infrastructure

Achieving these figures means, among other things, increasing the packaging capture rate in all format and size. In practice, it is necessary to extend sorting instructions to all packaging. To this end, France, for example, is in the process of redeveloping its sorting centres in view of expanding and modernising them. The aim is to be able to recycle more packaging, in particular, over time, the ones measuring between 20mm and 50mm.

The collection of packaging itself also needs to be improved, especially for packaging that does not come from households. Besides, recycling itself is not that simple: Packaging is said to be “recyclable” when its material can be recycled in practice and at scale. In order to design packaging that will actually be recycled, also called “recycling-ready”, working closely with recyclers to understand their expectations and needs in terms of packaging design is an essential step in the journey towards recyclability.

Businesses faced with their responsibilities

Faced with such a challenge, companies specialised in packaging are obviously on the front line. With packaging now accounting for 40% of the plastics market, there is an urgent need to successfully develop a more circular solution: solutions that are recyclable and that use post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. Still, the challenge of incorporating PCR in plastic packaging is high: as plastic packaging represents 40% of plastic use and 60% of plastic waste, the plastic industry cannot rely only on downcycling applications such as the use of PCR from plastic packaging into building uses. Packaging manufacturers need to find ways to integrate PCR into plastic packaging. This requires improving the packaging design and, at the same time, further developing new technologies: chemical recycling, in order to improve the quality of PCR, monomaterial packaging or polyolefins made from the chemical recycling of plastic wastes.

Beyond recyclability 

But the challenge is not only about recyclability, as the level of this is still at a very low rate worldwide. In view of the environmental urgency, the development of recyclable products cannot be the only way forward. There is also an issue of reducing the use of non-renewable materials and waste: Eliminate all harmful substances, make products lighter and invent alternative materials are also key in this process. The packaging industry also needs to find reusable solutions. The number one objective is to reduce the amount of plastic used, by accelerating the lightening of products and their reuse. The market is looking at cellulose based solutions for example, but, here again, such solutions should remain circular and bring a reduced overall impact on environment (through Life Cycle Analysis).

These are all advances that, when put together, will help us meet the huge challenge we are facing. Tomorrow’s packaging will either be responsible, or it will not be.