Since flexible packaging is so lightweight and requires less material to manufacture and transport, it starts with less waste in the first place. In the U.S., about half of flexible packaging can easily be recycled through in-store drop-off programs. Research is progressing on many fronts to develop even more recovery and recycling solutions that we can expect to see in the near future!
So, what can currently be recycled? Single layer polyethylene (PE) films can easily be recycled through the Wrap Recycling Action Program (WRAP) by dropping off items at your local flexible packaging recycling location. WRAP is currently available to over 90% of Americans at more than 18,000 major grocery retail stores.
Research from Europe notes that about 80% of flexible packaging today is made from mono-material (mostly PE), showing that WRAP has a great opportunity to expand flexible packaging recycling even further!
Interested in finding a Flexible Packaging Recycling location near you? The Terracycle database makes it fast and simple to find the best local recycling options for various types of flexible packaging, along with anything else you wish to recycle. You simply select items you wish to recycle (plastic bags, plastic film, six pack rings or reusable bags) and enter in your address to locate drop off locations near you.
To learn more about our recycling technologies in use today, and new packaging material technologies in research and development, visit our site here for additional resources!
