In an article published on April 23, 2020, Sustainable Plastics informed about the publication of a new set of guidelines for recycled content in plastic packaging developed jointly by the British Plastics Federation (BPF), the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF). The document provides an overview of current European regulations related to the recycled content in plastic packaging as well as technical considerations that can be used by companies planning to include recycled content in their packaging. It also aims to help policymakers better understand current issues within individual sectors. A set of frequently asked questions further introduces and explains related concepts such as functional barriers and testing.
Sustainable Plastics also reported on updated guidelines for designing plastic packaging for recyclability that was developed by the non-governmental organization RECycling of Used Plastics Limited (RECOUP). The guidelines have a clear focus on the design phase of the packaging life cycle, include recyclability tables for designing plastic film packaging, and stress the importance of separating materials and avoiding the use of laminates. A spokesperson from RECOUP commented that “there is an ever-increasing importance in finding sources of plastics to recycle rather than go to non-circular end destinations such as landfill and incineration.”
Both reports are freely available for download.
Read more
Karen Laird (April 23, 2020). “BPF issues new guidelines on recycled content in packaging.” Sustainable Plastics
Sustainable Plastics (April 24, 2020). “Updated Recoup guidance now includes recyclability of packaging film.”
Keller and Heckman LLP (May 6, 2020). “New Guidelines on Recycled Content in Plastic Packaging Published.”
References
BPF (April 2020). “Recycled Content Used in Plastic Packaging Applications.”
RECOUP (April 2020). “Recyclability By Design.”
