Responsible Design: On-Pack Recycling Messaging for Plastic Films
Statistics show that the recycling rate for plastic bags, wraps and multi-layer films was just 10 percent in 2018, even though 90 percent of Americans live within 10 miles of a store drop-off program. This is due, in part, to low awareness and consumer confusion around the recyclability of these materials, and the programs available to help. DRC took a deep dive into what plastic films are, how they can be properly recycled through store drop-off, and how brands and retailers can successfully educate consumers through on-pack communication.
What are Plastic Films
Plastic films are the soft, thin, flexible polyethylene (PE) plastics that are often used in CPG packaging to help with product protection, food preservation, and transportation cost reduction. They are commonly used for bread packaging and produce bags, and can also be found wrapped around dozens of household items like bath tissue, paper towels, napkins, and more.
Kroger (2021), Be a Zero Hero | Recyclingbin.com (2021), Plastic Bag Recycling Bins for Grocery & Shopping Bags
Combatting Low Awareness
What many people don't realize is that these films are hard to recycle and not always accepted in standard curbside recycling programs, contributing to the 12 billion pounds of flexible plastic waste generated each year. To help alleviate this problem, communities have banded together to create store drop-off programs. Consumers can bring plastic films to participating retailers who collect the waste and send it to be properly recycled into new products such as park benches, fencing and decks. The challenge is that most people aren’t aware that plastic films can indeed be recycled, or that these store drop-off programs even exist. On-pack messaging can be an effective and impactful way to educate consumers and show your brand’s commitment to the environment.
3 Package Design Strategies to Communicate Recycling for Plastic Films:
1. Create a unique front-of-pack claim and back-of-pack messaging that is clear, concise and credible.
2. Join the How2Recycle coalition and use their standardized labeling system, which includes store drop-off instructions specifically for films.
3. Partner with a packaging manufacturer that is pre-qualified for the How2Recycle labeling program (the work is done for you!).
General Mills (2021), Nature Valley leads the way to a more recyclable future.
General Mills (2021), Nature Valley leads the way to a more recyclable future.
Hovis (2021), Environmental Initiatives | The Grocer (2019), Hovis links with TerraCycle for bread bag recycling scheme
Plastic Films Recycling (2021), Learn What’s Recyclable | Amcor (2020), AmPrima™ PE Plus prequalifies for How2Recycle® store drop-off label
Want to learn more about sustainability? This article covers a few tips from our 12 Responsible Design Principles.
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