 HomeNewsIs 100% recyclable flexible packaging feasible?

Is 100% recyclable flexible packaging feasible?

2022-03-07

Flexible plastic packaging has experienced phenomenal growth over the past two decades. In the United States, flexible packaging even surpasses all other packaging formats in the United States except corrugated containers. Lighter flexible packaging includes films and laminates, allowing more product to be transported and less production material. On the manufacturing end of the production/consumption cycle, flexible packaging makes sense because it has less negative impact on the environment than rigid plastic bottles. It requires less material to produce, produces less carbon dioxide in transit and takes up less space in landfills.
While sustainable packaging is an important topic in the flexible packaging industry, progress remains to be made towards being fully environmentally responsible. For any consumer, recycling plastic is the answer.

Flexible packaging is recyclable
As it stands, there is no closed-loop system in place to handle the recycling of flexible packaging, especially multilayer high-barrier materials. As many flexible packaging is used for food, another barrier to recycling is food contamination.
Those flexible packaging association groups are also very concerned about the dynamics and development of sustainable packaging. Many manufacturers are also increasingly focusing on using eco-friendly materials such as bio-based, biodegradable, compostable and 100% recyclable.
Flexible packaging recycling is possible, but overall optimization and improvement is required, from raw materials to packaging, as well as the production process and transportation.

Previous: What is "Plastic Packaging Tax"

Next: A New Child-safe Packaging Product--Child-Resistant Spout Pouch