Dive Brief:
- A new report released by the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) shows that post-consumer film recycling is increasing.
- The findings of the 2012 National Postconsumer Plastic Bag & Film Recycling Report cite a 1% increase of polyethylene (PE) recycling from 2011 to 2012. Examples of these materials include plastic shopping bags, shrink wrap and product packaging.
- Rising collection rates are growing with the placement of over 18,000 drop-off containers that collect plastic film materials. Additional locations for collections can easily be increased, which will push the numbers to reach an even higher rate.
Dive Insight:
The collected plastic film is recycled to create new consumer goods. Some is transformed into plastic materials, composite lumber and home construction goods. It can also be made into crates, decks, fences and pipes.
The Flexible Film Recycling Group, a group that represents resin producers, recyclers, product owners and film converters, is working to create initiatives and spread knowledge about recycling plastic film recycling in order to raise the recycling rate within a five-year timeframe.
