09 21 20 RECYCLED PLASTICS
SITUATION:
Public needs to understand the “why” of the industry approach to recycling.
Comm effort underway to spell out framework of the plastic end of sustainability.
Even though there are 7 types of plastics, only 2 are really recyclable. .[See Chart below]
SIGNIFICANCE:
Recycling is really about the chemistry of plastics decay & degradation.
How plastics are recycled is challenging – not all materials created & destroyed equally.
Environmental methods & cost of plastic recycling impacts decay & degradation process.
The seven main types of plastic include:
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET)
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS)
Miscellaneous plastics (includes: polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic,
acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, & nylon.
SOLUTIONS:
See what plastics by type get made into recycled products in this chart below.
Shows that only half of the plastic waste is capable of being recycled.
More technology and recycling process are needed.
Recycling Rates for Two Plastic Types:[ or 50% of Recycled Plastic]
THE TWO PLASTIC TYPES
- PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate
Recycling Rate = 23%
Common Use -Plastic bottles of water, juice & drinks - HDPE – High Density Polyethylene
Recycling Rate = 27%
Common Use – Grocery bags, detergent bottles
SOURCES: Jason Chuan Email Content of 0903 2020
NEW PLASTICS ECONOMY – https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/our-work/activities/new-plastics-economy?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1v6otMHN6wIVLz6tBh2KOAYiEAAYAiAAEgIsafD_BwE
Rethinking the Future of Plastics https://www.newplasticseconomy.org/about/publications/report-2016
https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/promo-university/different-types-of-plastic.htm
STATS: See Chart for Plastic Recycling Degradation:
