{"id":2076,"date":"2019-12-17T09:00:39","date_gmt":"2019-12-17T08:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/steba.it\/recycled-plastic-packaging-and-scenario\/"},"modified":"2025-10-09T14:48:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T12:48:58","slug":"recycled-plastic-packaging-and-scenario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/steba.it\/en\/recycled-plastic-packaging-and-scenario\/","title":{"rendered":"Recycled plastic packaging and scenario"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"steba<\/p>\n

Together with the battle against climate change, the one related to pollution and recycled plastics is one of the most important challenges of recent years.
The problem of pollution is very “articulated” and so is dealing with it, even for those involved in working with this material.
In fact, in this article we, who work with plastics, try to offer an internal point of view to try to bring attention to the different aspects of such a complex and current scenario.<\/p>\n

Plastic packaging<\/em> has become indispensable in everyday life, most products would expire or become damaged before they reach the store.
Despite this, it is often considered one of the main enemies in our planet’s battle for environmental sustainability because it becomes waste soon after its use<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

To date, manufacturers or those who work with plastics are demonized<\/em>, but the conditions for sustainable success<\/em> are possible.
We believe, in a very modest way, that there needs to be general awareness (manufacturers and consumers) without finding plastics the only enemy<\/strong>.
This is why companies in various sectors are trying to reduce the impact of packaging while still benefiting from its properties.<\/p>\n

Recyclable plastic containers: the conditions for success<\/h2>\n

Plastics are materials with very valuable potentials.
Contrary to what may be the common view, it is a material with little “impact” because it consumes less energy in manufacturing and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than some alternative materials.
Plastics are inexpensive, versatile, lightweight, and very durable.<\/strong>

\n (BPF: British Plastics Federation)<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Thinking about business-to-business models involving the use of reusable packaging or green solutions are “strategies” that plastics manufacturers have already been thinking about for years.
One example to report on is the production of plastics derived not from petroleum but from natural materials<\/strong> such as sugarcane, wood, vegetable oils, starch, food production waste or biopolymers.<\/p>\n

In addition to manufacturers or those who trade plastics, the response of buyers<\/strong> in purchasing these products and the consumer<\/strong> is equally important.
In short, the whole cycle of these materials needs attention, here we try to make an analysis on some points.<\/p>\n

\"recyclable<\/p>\n

Consumer sensitivity<\/h3>\n


\n For the NGO Enpa.<\/span>
\n<\/em>, thousands of cans and small bottles (glass and plastic) are unconsciously abandoned in parks, flower beds, on the streets or beaches.<\/p>\n

\"plastic
\nWe believe that a careful awareness of how to use plastic waste is the basis for being able to make as much waste recoverable as possible.<\/p>\n

“From shopping bags to cosmetic containers, recent policy developments”-
\n writes the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in its report “The New Plastics Economy: Catalising Action”<\/em>
\n<\/span> – “have shown that making these practices socially acceptable is not mission impossible. ”
\nAnd these “practices” are part of a civic education that can educate all of us and, especially, younger generations.
\nBecause educating on the proper use of consumed plastics allows for a second life for this type of material.<\/em>
\nThe planet can no longer handle the amount of plastic we throw into the environment, and trends tell us that plastics is an issue that also requires a generational approach<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Strengthening of collection and recycling infrastructure<\/h3>\n

We talked about the fact that proper post-consumer care is essential, but on the other hand, careful policy on a recycling economy is needed.
Increasing recovery but lack of facilities does not make it easier to recycle plastics.
“Forty years after the launch of the first universal recycling symbol” –
\n “The New Plastics Economy: Catalising Action”<\/span>
\n<\/em> – “only 14 percent of plastic packaging used on a global scale is collected and properly sent to material recovery facilities.”<\/p>\n

\"plastic<\/p>\n

Plastics are mistakenly thought to be harmful and not always suitable for recycling.
In fact, some packaging cannot be recycled due to contamination but can be recovered to generate energy.
www.plasticpackagingfacts.org<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

PET<\/strong> (polyethylene terephthalate-a 100% recyclable plastic material), in particular, contains no toxic substances.
“When burned, it produces carbon dioxide and water and leaves no toxic residue.”
(Brett Martin<\/span>)<\/em>
Although most thermoplastics can, in principle, be recycled, PET bottle recycling is much more cost-effective.
The main reason is the high recyclability of this material.
In addition, the environmental impact is very high because bottles are among the largest plastic wastes and the bottles themselves are made almost entirely precisely of PET.
Finally, PET products are easily identifiable in a recycling stream making their recovery treatment easy.<\/p>\n

A recycled “new aesthetic”<\/h3>\n

Packaging redesign<\/strong> should be at the heart of the challenges of sustainable packaging.
That is, creating packages that are easier to recycle to the point of integrating increasing amounts of recycled plastics into products is the way forward.
But at the same time, the perception toward a new green aesthetic<\/strong> must also increase.
Recycled plastics have imperfections of a material that is no longer virgin that must be seen as qualities and not as manufacturing defects.<\/p>\n

This new challenge poses new goals for each of the parties involved.<\/p>\n