Soft Plastics FAQ
Why are some soft plastics labelled differently to others?
Soft plastics have become an integral part of our lives, packaging various products such as personal care items, food, and household goods. However, not all soft plastics are created equal. Some soft plastics are made of many different types of plastics that melt at different temperatures or are made of plastics that even specialised recycling systems cannot recycle. This can make it difficult to recycle back into packaging. That’s why some packaging carries a “Check Locally” label while others are marked as “Bin”.
What makes a soft plastic recyclable?
The simpler a soft plastic, the easier it is to recycle. Through consultation with its members and recyclers, APCO has set thresholds for soft plastics in Australia that closely align with CEFLEX guidelines. CEFLEX stands for "Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging.". It is an industry-led European consortium aiming to enhance the sustainability of flexible packaging throughout its life cycle.
Soft plastics that meet these thresholds are recyclable when collected through the appropriate systems and are compatible with mechanical recycling processes. This means they can be sorted, processed, and transformed into new packaging more efficiently. By enabling effective recycling, these materials help reduce the consumption of virgin resources and the environmental impact associated with their extraction and production. Plus, they ensure we stay high up on the waste hierarchy, turning packaging back into packaging, rather than into other materials or energy. This means we can start to close the loop on the packaging system.
Why should I look for the Check Locally label?
Manufacturers and brands that adopt the APCO thresholds for soft plastics are demonstrating their commitment to designing for a circular economy, where packaging can be turned back into packaging. By choosing products labelled as “Check Locally”, you play an important part in reducing waste and conserving resources. These labels provide crucial information on where and how to recycle soft plastics in your local area. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of packaging and our planet.
What are some examples of soft plastics? Soft plastics include items like plastic bags, food wrappers, plastic film, pouches, and flexible packaging commonly used for products like snacks, personal care items, and household goods.
What is CEFLEX? CEFLEX stands for "Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging." It is an industry-led European consortium that aims to enhance the sustainability of flexible packaging throughout its life cycle. CEFLEX works towards improving recycling and recovery rates, optimising the design of flexible packaging, and promoting the transition to a circular economy.
What does the "Check Locally" logo mean? The "Check Locally" logo on soft plastic packaging indicates that you should consult your local Council guidelines to determine the appropriate way to dispose of that specific packaging. It suggests that the recycling requirements or infrastructure may vary by region, and local authorities can provide the most accurate instructions for disposal.
Why is it important to recycle soft plastics? Recycling soft plastics is essential because it helps reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and minimises the consumption of new resources. By recycling soft plastics, we can conserve energy, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Can all soft plastics be recycled? Not all soft plastics can be easily recycled due to variations in their composition and the availability of appropriate recycling infrastructure. It is important to check the specific recycling guidelines for each soft plastic item and follow the instructions provided to ensure proper disposal.
How can I recycle soft plastics if they are not accepted in my local recycling program? If soft plastics are not accepted in your local recycling program, some recycling drop-off locations may have dedicated collection bins for specific types of soft plastics. You can explore alternative recycling options or seek out local initiatives that accept specific soft plastic items for recycling. Keep an eye out for the "Check locally" ARL label and gather more information on arl.org.au.
How does recycling soft plastics contribute to a circular economy? Recycling soft plastics allows them to be transformed back into new packaging or other useful products. By keeping these materials within the circular economy loop, we can reduce the need for virgin resources, minimise waste generation, and promote a more sustainable approach to packaging production and consumption.
What does the "Bin" label mean? The "Bin" label on soft plastic packaging signifies that it should be disposed of in the general waste bin rather than the recycling bin. This means that the packaging cannot be easily recycled and should be discarded with other non-recyclable waste. It's important to follow the instructions on the "Bin" labelled packaging to ensure proper disposal and avoid contaminating the recycling stream with materials that cannot be recycled effectively.
What happens to soft plastics after they are recycled? After collection, soft plastics are typically sent to specialised recycling facilities. There, they undergo various processes to be transformed into new materials. Mechanical recycling involves sorting, cleaning, melting, and reshaping the plastics into pellets or flakes that can be used to create new plastic products.
Are there any initiatives to improve soft plastic recycling? Yes, there are ongoing efforts and initiatives to improve the recycling of soft plastics. Organisations, industry associations, and governments are working together to develop better recycling technologies and establish standardised recycling guidelines. Additionally, research and innovation are being conducted to design packaging that is more easily recycled without compromising its functionality. These collective efforts aim to increase the overall sustainability of packaging materials and reduce plastic waste.