NERC Opposes the Use of Degradable Additives in Plastic Packaging

The Northeast Recycling Council Inc. (NERC), based in Brattleboro, Vt., has adopted a policy position in opposition to the use of degradable additives in plastic packaging.

“The board determined that this practice currently has a negative impact on plastics recycling markets and the effectiveness of plastics recycling in general,” reports Sarah Kite, president of the NERC board.

“Because the environmental benefit of degradable additives is at best unclear, as is their potential effect on plastics recycling, the board determined to oppose the use of degradable additives in plastic packaging at this time,” NERC Executive Director Lynn Rubinstein says. “The policy makes clear that NERC fully supports additional research into the both the effects and impacts of degradable additives on the recyclability or composting of plastic packaging and the development of fully recyclable or compostable plastic packaging.”

The full policy is available here.

NERC is a nonprofit organization that says it is committed to promoting environmental and economic sustainability through materials management that supports source reduction, recycling, composting and environmentally preferable purchasing.” The organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012.