Introduction
The reality of plastic recycling is far more sobering than most people realize.
Globally, less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. In the U.S., only 5–6% of plastic waste is recycled into new products.
Most plastic ends up landfilled, incinerated, or littered, not repurposed. Only types, #1 and #2 plastics (like PET and HDPE) are commonly recycled; types #3–#7 are rarely processed. Why?
Plastics are made from complex chemical mixtures, making them hard to separate and reuse. Contamination and sorting issues further reduce the viability of recycling.
Sadly, company documents reveal that plastic and oil companies knew recycling wasn’t viable on a profit scale as early as the 1970s. But recycling was promoted as a PR strategy to fend off regulation, and to maintain plastic production. The familiar recycling symbol was used to create a false sense of sustainability, even though recycling wasn’t happening.
Recycling plastic has been sold as a solution to the growing problem of plastic pollution, but in practice, it’s largely ineffective. Many experts now argue that reducing plastic production and use is far more impactful than relying on recycling. However, recycling is getting a boost. Since 2023 global food and packaging companies, such as Nestle, Pepsi and Unilever, have been working to cut plastic use. These companies have also encouraged the United Nations to develop suggested actions for the world’s nations regarding the reduction of plastic usage.
Quietly, most of the United Nation’s global signatories to the UN’s global commitment have tripled their use of recycled content. The signatories continue to reduce their use of traditional plastics, looking to other biodegradable materials. By 2024, approximately 20% of the global packaging industry had pledged to work on the issue. But recently many advocates have been quiet, attempting to avoid backlash from Trump government regulatory agencies. This silent practice is called “greenhushing.” Still, the 2030 Plastics Agenda for Business gives reason to be optimistic despite the United States President’s current claims that global warming is a myth.
Additional potential for the recycling of plastic comes from India where Professor Rajaopalan Vasudenan has developed the plastic road, and also rPET (material made from recycling PET plastics) where recycled plastic is turned in textiles. For more information, see our next two articles in Community News.
Most of the following is from an article “7 Eco- Friendly Alternative Materials to Plastic for 2024 and Beyond” by Dr. Nick Becker. Dr. Nick Becker, a pioneering sustainability expert and serial entrepreneur, seamlessly blends green technology and business acumen. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, he has co-founded groundbreaking startups.
Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are a major contributor to environmental pollution, but reusable bags from sustainable materials offer an eco-friendly solution. These bags, crafted from materials like cotton, hemp, and recycled fabrics, are biodegradable and durable, providing retailers and consumers with long-lasting alternatives. Cotton and hemp are two of the most used biodegradable materials for reusable bags. In particular, hemp requires significantly fewer resources to grow than cotton, making it a highly sustainable choice.
Plastic Bottles and Containers
Traditional plastic containers and bottles are known for their long degradation periods, but plant-based packaging offers a viable solution. Materials like cornstarch, algae, and mushroom mycelium are increasingly used to create biodegradable products that break down faster than conventional plastics.
The beverage industry is embracing bottles made from plant-based materials, like sugarcane. These bottles offer the same look and feel as plastic but come from renewable resources, drastically reducing their environmental impact.
Packaging
Biodegradable packaging is rapidly gaining popularity, particularly in the food and beverage industries, due to its ability to break down naturally. Unlike traditional plastic packaging, which can take centuries to decompose, biodegradable options degrade within months, under the right conditions.
In the growing edibles industry, businesses are also making the shift to compostable or biodegradable options for packaging. A TIPA Compostable Packaging Solutions (a company dedicated to making compostable packaging) study highlighted that companies can drastically lower their carbon footprint by adopting these sustainable alternatives. As noted earlier, materials like cornstarch, sugarcane fiber, and other plant-based ingredients are commonly used to create packaging that leaves a minimal environmental footprint.
Mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, is being used as an innovative material to replace plastic foam in packaging. It grows quickly, using agricultural waste as its food source. Mycelium forms a strong, lightweight structure that can be molded into various shapes. Once used, mycelium-based packaging biodegrades naturally within a few weeks. This makes it a highly sustainable alternative for protective packaging in industries like electronics and furniture.
Algae-derived packaging is a promising innovation for single-use products. This material degrades rapidly, making it ideal for packaging items like toiletries and food products. Another fascinating alternative to plastic is seaweed-based packaging.
Seaweed grows rapidly in oceans without the need for freshwater or fertilizers. It can be processed into films and containers serving as biodegradable packaging for food items, beverages, and other goods. This reduces reliance on petroleum-based plastics and contributes to ocean health by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen during growth.
Single Use Plastic Utensils and Straws Single-use plastic utensils and straws are among the most prevalent pollutants in our oceans. Compostable alternatives made from renewable resources like bamboo, cornstarch, or paper offer a much-needed solution. Bamboo grows quickly, doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers, and is fully biodegradable. Bamboo cutlery is gaining popularity as a sturdy, reusable alternative to plastic. While less durable than plastic straws, paper straws are compostable and significantly less harmful to the environment. Many businesses are adopting them to reduce plastic waste.
Conclusions
While plastic recycling has been a myth for decades, companies today are developing uses for recycled plastics such as road construction and the manufacturing of clothing.
These developments are welcome. However, the long-term solutions rest with the innovations in finding biodegradable substitutes for plastic. Organizations such as TIPA are making this change possible.
