In a circular economy, in order to better guide the efforts of plastics in the direction of sustainability, the definition of unification is very important. Two leading global international recycling organizations have developed a global definition to manage the term 'recyclable'. Use, and this is closely related to plastic packaging and products.
In this joint statement, Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recycling Europe and Steve Alexander, President and CEO of The Association of Plastic Recyclers, point out that the parties have recently promised sustainable packaging Sex and recyclability make relevant commitments.
'There is no clear point of reference so that the concept of 'recyclable' is used closely in packaging and products. ' Steve Alexander said, 'It is important to consider that recyclable capabilities are not just technically recyclable. Utilization, there must also be consumers entering the recycling project, the recycled materials must be handled by the recycler, and an end market must exist.
'Recently, we have seen many announcements about legislative measures for plastic products, and a commitment by industry participants to make their products recyclable. ' Emans added, 'As a recycler, we are a solution to the problem of plastic sustainability. For the basic components, we need the right audience to understand what is necessary for labeling products or packaging 'recyclables'. We welcome these commitments and encourage other countries to follow suit. However, clear and generally accepted definitions and goals are needed.
The plastic must meet the following four points, and the product is considered to be recyclable:
1. The product must be made of plastic for market value after recycling, or supported by a legally mandated program.
2. The product must be classified and aggregated in the defined recycling process.
3. This product can be processed and recycled/recycled through commercial recycling process.
4. Recycled plastic can be a raw material for the production of new products.
In addition, innovative materials must demonstrate that they can be collected and classified, must be compatible with existing industrial recycling processes, or must have sufficient quantities to justify the operation of the new recycling process.
Although this definition will be applied globally, both are aware of the complexity of the global plastics recycling system and welcome comments from the plastic recycling industry and relevant stakeholders. Currently, this definition is supported by PETCORE Europe. The definition of uniform recycling is an important step in coordinating the global plastics recycling industry.