As global environmental concerns continue to rise, businesses are increasingly focused on reducing their carbon footprint and embracing sustainability. A key part of this shift is the growing adoption of recycled plastics in packaging solutions. According to Inkwood Research, the global recycled plastics market is anticipated to progress with a CAGR of 8.15% during the forecast period 2024-2032.
By integrating
recycled plastic materials into their supply chains, manufacturers can not only contribute to a
circular economy but also significantly cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
In this practical guide, we’ll explore how manufacturers can incorporate
recycled plastics into their packaging solutions to achieve both environmental
and economic benefits. Additionally, we will also examine the types of recycled
plastics available, how to balance functionality with sustainability, and the
tools available for tracking the impact on carbon reduction.
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So, read on for
some of the most detailed insights into recycled plastics and how manufacturers
across industries can reduce their carbon footprint –
Recycled
Plastics Market: Key Benefits in Reducing Emissions
Recycled
plastics offer a multitude of advantages for manufacturers looking to minimize
their carbon emissions. The production process of recycled plastics, compared
to virgin plastics, typically requires less energy, resulting in lower carbon
emissions.
According to
the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international
charity that promotes the circular economy to address challenges such as
climate change, pollution, and waste, using one metric ton of recycled
plastic can save between 1.5 to 3 metric tons of
CO₂
emissions. This stark difference makes recycled plastics an ideal choice for
businesses aiming to decrease their environmental impact.
Several
companies have made substantial progress in this regard. For example, Unilever, a leading European consumer goods company,
aims to reduce its use of virgin plastic by 50% by 2025.
To achieve this, the company plans to increase its use of recycled plastic and
cut its overall plastic packaging by 100,000 tons per year. By
embracing recycled plastics, the company expects to significantly reduce its
overall carbon footprint while also contributing to its broader sustainability
goals.
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Recycled Plastics Market
Top 3 Types
of Recycled Plastics Used in Packaging
Manufacturers
have several types of recycled plastics to choose from, each offering unique
properties suitable for different packaging needs. The most common types
include:
- Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics
(PCR): Derived
from used products like water bottles, PCR plastics are collected,
cleaned, and reprocessed. Companies such as Coca-Cola have heavily invested in PCR for
their bottles, aiming to use 50% recycled material across
all packaging by 2030. PCR plastics are ideal for creating a
circular lifecycle where products are continuously repurposed.
- According to Inkwood
Research, post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) is
expected to be the largest revenue-generating type in the
global recycled plastics market, with an expected share of 67.31% by 2032.
- Post-Industrial Recycled Plastics
(PIR): This
type comes from the reprocessing of manufacturing scrap and excess
material. It’s typically used in industrial packaging solutions where high
durability is required. Dow, for example, has leveraged PIR
in its supply chain to create robust packaging that is both functional and
sustainable.
- Biodegradable Recycled Plastics: Combining the benefits of
recycled material with the ability to decompose naturally, these plastics
are making waves in industries where eco-friendly disposal is a priority.
For instance, Danimer Scientific produces biodegradable
polymers that are increasingly being used by companies to reduce long-term
waste. The company’s Nodax® and PLA biopolymers are designed to
meet the biodegradability standards set by ASTM and EN.
Its PHA is FDA-approved for food contact and can fully biodegrade in soil,
water, or compost environments—both industrial and home—within three
months under aerobic or anaerobic conditions.
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market
Design
Considerations for Durable, Sustainable Packaging: Recycled Plastics Industry
While recycled
plastics offer environmental benefits, manufacturers must also ensure that
these materials meet the durability and functionality standards expected in the
B2B packaging industry. Key design considerations include:
- Material Strength: Packaging must withstand the
rigors of transportation and storage. Innovations in recycled plastics
have significantly improved material strength, making it possible to use
recycled content in applications that previously relied on virgin
plastics. Sealed Air, a packaging company known for
its Bubble Wrap®, is now producing protective packaging
using recycled content without compromising the strength or protective
properties of the material.
- Customization and Branding: Recycled plastics can be
tailored to meet branding needs. With advancements in colorants and
printing techniques, businesses can create eco-friendly packaging that
aligns with their brand identity. Companies like Nestlé have embraced this by offering
packaging solutions made from recycled plastics that also highlight their
commitment to sustainability on the product’s labeling; in fact, in 2023, 41.5% of Nestlé’s packaging
consisted of recycled or renewable materials, with 9.3% of
its plastic packaging made from recycled content. Further, the company is
also aiming for more than 95% of its plastic packaging to
be designed for recycling by the year 2025.
- Compliance with Regulations: As regulations around plastic
usage tighten globally, using recycled plastics can help companies meet
both environmental goals and legal requirements. By incorporating recycled
plastics into their packaging, businesses can stay ahead of these
regulatory changes and avoid penalties. The European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, for
example, has pushed businesses toward using more recycled content to
reduce overall plastic waste. As per our analysis, Europe captured
the highest revenue share of 39.72% in the global
recycled plastics market in 2023 and is expected to
continue this growth trajectory between 2024 to 2032.
How Can
Manufacturers Incorporate Recycled Materials into Supply Chains?
Integrating
recycled plastics into your supply chain requires a structured approach. Here’s
a roadmap to get started:
- Identify Suppliers: Partner with suppliers who
specialize in recycled plastics. Loop Industries is an excellent example
of a company that offers recycled PET for packaging,
providing a sustainable alternative to virgin plastic.
- Optimize Packaging Design: Consider redesigning your
packaging to reduce overall plastic use while maximizing the benefits
of recycled
materials. For instance, P&G has not only
reformulated its Head & Shoulders shampoo to contain
just nine ingredients but also cut the plastic in the bottle by 45%. The
design allows users to roll up the bottle like a tube of toothpaste,
making it easier to use all the products and reducing space in recycling
bins. Additionally, Herbal Essences has revamped its
shampoo as well as conditioner bottles, now using 25% less
plastic compared to earlier versions, leading to a significant
reduction in plastic usage. (Source)
- Assess Material Compatibility: Evaluate how the recycled
material performs with your current packaging processes. It’s crucial to
ensure that switching to recycled plastics doesn’t negatively impact
product quality or functionality.
What’s Next
| Tools and Metrics for Tracking Carbon Reductions
To quantify the
impact of using recycled plastics, manufacturers can leverage several tools and
metrics that measure their carbon footprint reduction:
Lifecycle
Assessment (LCA): This
tool helps businesses assess the environmental impacts of their products
throughout their lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to disposal. It provides
a comprehensive view of how recycled plastics affect overall emissions.
Carbon
Footprint Calculators: Companies
like Carbon Trust offer calculators to measure how
much carbon is being saved by using recycled content versus virgin materials.
The Carbon Footprint Calculator is designed to assist UK-based
SMEs in measuring their corporate emissions in line with GHG Protocol Guidance.
It covers direct emissions from fuel and processes as well as emissions from
purchased electricity for the assets they operate. This can help manufacturers
set measurable targets and track progress over time.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG
Protocol): This is the world’s most widely used standard for
measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions. It provides guidelines on how
companies can report their emissions reductions from switching to recycled
materials.
Conclusion |
Recycled Plastics Market Growth Prospects
Incorporating
recycled plastics into packaging solutions is not only a practical way for
manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint but also an opportunity to align
with growing regulatory requirements and consumer demands for sustainability.
By taking advantage of innovative materials like PCR, PIR, and biodegradable
plastics, businesses can lead the charge in creating a more circular economy,
while still maintaining the functionality and durability needed in modern
packaging. With the right tools and strategies in place, manufacturers can
track their impact, meet regulatory requirements, and embrace eco-friendly
branding, all while contributing to a greener future.
FAQs:
1.
How
do recycled plastics help reduce carbon emissions?
A: Recycled plastics
require less energy to produce than virgin plastics, which significantly
reduces greenhouse gas emissions. For every ton of recycled plastic used, up to
3 tons of CO₂ emissions
can be saved, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
2.
Are
recycled plastics as durable as virgin plastics?
A: Yes, advancements in
technology have made recycled plastics comparable in strength and durability to
virgin materials. Companies are now using them in packaging and products
without compromising quality or performance.
3.
What
types of recycled plastics are commonly used in packaging?
A: Post-consumer
recycled (PCR) plastics, post-industrial recycled (PIR) plastics, and
biodegradable plastics are commonly used in packaging. PCR is derived from
consumer waste, while PIR comes from manufacturing scraps, both offering
sustainable packaging solutions.
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