Plastic Products - Recycled

Plastic is a core constituent of a large number of consumer and industrial products. Plastics are epitomized by their light weight yet physical strength and flexibility, resistance to chemicals, insulation properties and an ability to be moulded and shaped to suit various needs. Unfortunately, these characteristics also mean that plastics have become an ongoing problem in landfills worldwide, as they do not completely biodegrade in the environment. Similarly, disposing of plastics via burning or heating produces noxious emissions that impact upon the environment, contribute to air pollution and pose a hazard to human health.

Unfortunately, other issues plague the recycling of plastics. Plastics and plastic products are often coated, treated or labelled with substances or other materials that are not recyclable and costly too remove and which dramatically reduces the recyclability of the plastic in question. Likewise, waste plastics are often sent in bulk to developing nations to be sorted and processed, usually at the expense of local workers and environment.

Fortunately, progress in the plastics industry has allowed the development of recycling systems for plastics with a comparatively lower level of environmental load compared to virgin materials, with applications for recycled plastics growing steadily. Recycled plastics can be blended with virgin plastic (plastic that has not been processed before) without sacrificing properties in many applications, and products can be manufactured wholly from recycled plastics. Innovations in plastic recycling include construction, traffic management items, food and non-food containers, office supplies, recreational and outdoor furniture, flexible packaging and sheeting, agricultural equipment, automotive parts, and everyday household items. Environmentally preferable recycled plastic products fulfill requirements with respect to performance, value and social obligations.

Consumer Behaviour Tips

What to consider when choosing and recycling recycled plastic products, or products packed in or with plastics:

• Purchase plastic products made of at least 30% recycled plastic;
• Remove stickers and labels from waste plastics before placing them in the recycling bin;
• Opt for plastic packaging / containers displaying a resin identification code. This is an international coding system showing a triangle and number
• Say no to plastic bags when shopping, or only use those that are biodegradable;
• Don’t be mislead – recycled plastic products are not inferior to virgin plastic products for performance;
• Consider recycled plastic furniture instead of furniture made of virgin or unsustainably harvested forests. Recycled plastics used in construction and furniture have a longer life-span than timber.

For specific information view our Environmental Standard for Recycled Plastic Products:
www.geca.org.au/standardsregister.htm