WRAP Finds Opportunities for Hard-to-Recycle Plastics

According to the findings of a series of trials funded by U.K.-based Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), it is possible to recycle almost all plastic packaging waste from residents.

WRAP’s trials find that despite more than 300,000 metric tons of plastic packaging being collected for recycling each year, more than a million metric tons of plastic scrap are still being landfilled because of the difficulty of collecting and recycling films, the difficulty in detecting and sorting black plastics and the lack of high-value markets for non-bottle plastics.

WRAP’s trials have identified methods of recycling black plastics, complex laminated plastics, plastic films and polypropylene (PP) that would typically be destined for landfill.

WRAP notes that by using non-carbon pigments in the manufacture of black plastics it is possible to create a material that is almost identical in color, but can be identified by optical sorting equipment used by many MRFs. This could lead to an increase in the recycling of most common plastic used in packaging. WRAP says that feedback from retailers has been encouraging, and the plastic trays could be recycled into high value single-polymer materials.

Another challenging material, complex laminated packaging that contain a layer of aluminum sandwiched between plastic, was the subject of further research. WRAP says that a second trial has identified a way to extract this high value aluminum from the packaging. WRAP estimates that there is around 140,000 metric tons of this packaging in the U.K. waste stream with an aluminum content of around 13,500 metric tons.

A third study has seen the development of a technique that could recycle post-consumer polypropylene (PP) back into material suitable for food-grade applications. While acknowledging that more research is needed, WRAP says that this could help to grow high value markets for recycled PP.

In a third trial, WRAP finds that work it has done by The Co-operative Group and Sainsbury’s has identified a variety of uses for plastic films recycled in-store by customers and staff. These applications include bags for life, in-store signage and external cladding.

A system has also been developed that cleans and recycles contaminated film, producing a pellet with a sales value of £400 to £500 per metric ton.

Marcus Gover, director of closed loop economy at WRAP, says, “When we first looked at recycling non-bottle plastic packaging back in 2007, we carried out detailed studies to make sure it would be technically and economical viable. 
“We also carried out a thorough life-cycle assessment to make sure it was the best environmental option. We’re now seeing this recycling becoming a reality, creating jobs and re-invigorating the manufacturing industry in the UK reducing our reliance on exports.

“There have been, and there are still, barriers to overcome and WRAP will continue to work closely with the industry to develop these new methods and technologies so that, in the future, local authorities can offer their residents a way of recycling even more of their plastic packaging.”