Understanding plastic packaging and the language we use to describe it - WRAP
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Understanding plastic packaging and the language we use to describe it
Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
The way a plastic is designed This document sets out
to clarify the differences Contents
to behave alongside what between the materials used Material type 3
material it’s made from, to make plastic packaging,
the way plastics can behave
Behaviour and features 4
affects what it can be used and, the terminology used Suitability for recycling 5
to describe plastics. 6
for as well as how it can be
Treatment and disposal route
Environmental impact 7
recycled and disposed of at Carbon footprint over life cycle 8
the end of its life. Glossary 9
References 10
With plastics top of the sustainability compostable – and the effect these
agenda many companies are looking factors have on how it’s collected
at alternatives to conventional and disposed of.
plastic typically used for packaging
applications. Understanding the terms that we
use to describe plastics is essential
However, there is potential for the to ensure that the right materials
language that we use to describe are used in the right applications,
plastics to be confusing: with the and so that all plastics are recycled
different material types of plastic – in the right way and pollution of
fossil-based or bio-based; how the environment is prevented.
plastic is described and referred to
– conventional plastics or bioplastics; This document is aimed at anyone
and, how plastic behaves – non- who is interested in understanding
biodegradable, biodegradable or the complexities around different
types of plastic.
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 1
Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
Plastic can be made from fossil-based This diagram demonstrates the
or bio-based materials. Both can be complexity of the term bioplastics;
used to make highly durable, non- which refers to a diverse family of
biodegradable plastics, or plastics materials with differing properties – Bio-based
which either biodegrade or compost. there are three main groups:
The nature of the material used 1 Bio-based or partially bio-based
to make a plastic or the term used non-biodegradable plastics such
to describe it does not necessarily as bio-based PE or PP 1 2
dictate the way it will behave at the
end of its life e.g. a bio-based plastic
2 Plastics that are both bio-based Bioplastics Bioplastics
or bioplastic does not automatically and biodegradable, such as eg. PE, PET, eg. PLA, PHA, PBS,
mean it will biodegrade. biodegradable PLA and PHA PA, PTT Starch blends
or PBS
Non biodegradable
Biodegradable
3 Plastics that are fossil-based and
biodegradable, such as PBAT
See glossary for acronyms.
3
Conventional
Bioplastics
plastics
eg. PBAT, PCL
eg. PE, PP, PET
Fossil based
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 2
Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
Material type
Fossil-based plastic Bio-based plastic
Made from a wide range of polymers Made using polymers derived from
derived from petrochemicals. Fossil- plant based sources e.g. starch,
based plastic packaging is generally cellulose, oils, lignin etc.
long lived, durable and non-
biodegradable; this is what’s referred Bio-based plastic is the term used
to as conventional plastics. However, for any plastic made from bio-based
fossil-based plastic can also be polymers, and refers to the source
from which the plastic is made, not
designed to biodegrade and this
?
type is considered a bioplastic. how the material will function.
IMAGE
Bio-based polymers can be used to
make plastic packaging that behaves
like conventional plastic and is long
lived, durable and non-biodegradable.
It can also be used to make
biodegradable and compostable
plastics. Both types are referred
to as bioplastics (see diagram on
page 2).
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 3
Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
Behaviour and features
All plastics, regardless of
whether they are fossil-based Non-biodegradable Biodegradable Compostable
or bio-based, can be designed Is durable and lasts for years. Breaks down in a defined period Can meet EN13432 or a comparable
to behave in three ways: of time. standard for compostable packaging
It has high strength and can be used so that the material decomposes/
in low weight applications. It can now be made with similar biodegrades in industrial composting
strength, plasticity and elasticity conditions. Materials that meet
properties of non-biodegradable an appropriate home composting
plastics, and made into products standard can be composted in
using the same technologies home composting systems.
(e.g. film processing or moulding).
It can have similar strength, plasticity
The fact that a plastic is described as and elasticity properties to non-
biodegradable does not mean that biodegradable plastics and can be
it should be freely released into made into products using the same
the environment in an uncontrolled technologies (e.g. film processing
manner. The speed, method and or moulding).
nature of biodegradation differs
between materials and users
should question the behaviour
of biodegradable materials before
using them in any application.
Importantly, not all biodegradable plastic is compostable, but all compostable
plastic is biodegradable.
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 4
Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
Suitability for recycling
The way a plastic is
designed to behave dictates Non-biodegradable Biodegradable Compostable
its suitability for recycling – Non-biodegradable packaging Currently biodegradable plastics Compostable plastics can be
not whether it is fossil-based plastics can be recycled, if collected cannot be recycled in the same way composted at industrial scale
and sorted into separate material as non-biodegradable plastic. composting facilities or, in some
or bio-based.
reprocessing streams. cases, may be suitable for home
It must be separated from non- composting. It is vital that only
The route for recycling or disposal biodegradable plastic streams and compostable plastics are sent to
must not compromise other recycling dealt with separately. If not, it causes these routes as non-compostable
routes. Non-biodegradable plastics problems during the recycling plastics can contaminate the final
entering the composting processes process. compost produced.
can contaminate the final product.
Biodegradable packaging needs to be Compostable plastic packaging
clearly labelled and easy for citizens needs to be clearly labelled and easy
to identify, separate and correctly for citizens to identify, separate and
dispose of. The route for treatment correctly dispose of in an appropriate
and disposal must not compromise collection and recycling scheme for
other existing recycling routes. compostable plastics. The route
Biodegradable packaging can only for recycling compostable packaging
be composted when it meets the must not compromise non-
appropriate composting standard. biodegradable recycling routes.
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 5Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
UK treatment and disposal routes
Non-biodegradable Biodegradable Compostable
Recycling
Energy from waste
Landfill
AD * * *++
Composting **
* Any non-biodegradable, biodegradable or compostable packaging sent to wet AD systems that do not include a composting
step for the treatment of digestate in the UK will be removed during pre-treatment of the feedstock material and sent to landfill
or energy from waste.
** Plastic packaging can only go to industrial composting if it complies with the EN13432 compostable standard or a
recognised home composting specification. It can only be composted at home if it complies with a recognised home composting
specification.
++ Compostable packaging can be accepted at dry AD systems that can process the material fully or at wet AD sites where the
process includes a composting step for the treatment of the separated digestate fibre.
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 6Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
Environmental impact
Any plastic that evades appropriate
collection and treatment that escapes into
the environment has the potential to have
a long-lasting impact on the environment.
Non-biodegradable plastic Biodegradable and
packaging compostable plastic
Conventional plastic debris has been
packaging
shown to accumulate in inland waters There is a lack of clarity concerning
and marine environments. The impact standards that define the
of this is now being widely discussed. biodegradability of biodegradable
or compostable plastics in any
There is very limited information
environment. There is a particular
on the impact of conventional plastic
lack of evidence on the behaviour of
in soil-based environments, though
these materials in water, and there is
it is clear that plastic fragments will
a need to understand biodegradation
persist for long periods of time.
at lower temperatures. Therefore,
it is very difficult to accurately assess
environmental impact of
biodegradable and compostable
plastic packaging.
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 7Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
Carbon footprint
over life cycle
Life Cycle Assessment is a complex technique
to quantify the environmental impact of
a single product over its whole life cycle.
For greenhouse gas emissions from The opposite is true for biodegradable
all types of plastic, studies show that plastics, which has the potential to
raw material extraction, production, give rise to methane under landfill
and waste disposal contribute most to conditions, but in energy recovery
emissions. Bio-based plastics usually are considered carbon neutral
have a lower carbon impact in their (short cycle emissions).
extraction and production phase.
Compostable plastics contribute
Where conventional plastics enter to compost structure, but contain
energy from waste facilities, they no nutrients (NPK).
emit greenhouse gases, which can
be higher than combusting coal or For all plastics, recycling generates
natural gas to generate the same the lowest emissions at end of life.
amount of energy. In landfill they
are considered inert.
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 8Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
Glossary
Biodegradable Compostable PBAT and PBS PE
A product that can be broken down Compostable materials are materials Polybutylene adipate terephthalate Polyethylene – a type of resin and
by microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) that break down at composting and Polybutylene succinate – two a polyolefin and one of the world’s
into water, naturally occurring gases conditions. Industrial composting biodegradable polyesters (Muthuraj most widely produced synthetic
like carbon dioxide (CO2) and conditions require elevated et al 2014). plastic. High density PE is used for
methane (CH4) and biomass. temperature (55-60°C) combined milk bottles, bleach, cleaners and
Biodegradability depends strongly with a high relative humidity and Recycling most shampoo bottles. Low density
on the environmental conditions: the presence of oxygen, and they are PE is used for carrier bags, bin liners
Material recycling is defined in
temperature, presence of in fact the most optimal compared and packaging films (WRAP 2018).
European standard EN 13430 and
microorganisms, presence of oxygen to other everyday biodegradation
EN 16848 (adapted from ISO 18604)
and water. The biodegradability and conditions: in soil, surface water and PHA
as the reprocessing of a used product
the degradation rate of a marine water. Compliance with EN
material into a new product. Plastic Polyhydroxyalkanoate – A naturally
biodegradable plastic product may 13432 is considered a good measure
which after use can be collected, occurring family of biodegradable
be different in the soil, on the soil, for industrial compostability of
sorted and reprocessed into new polyesters (NNFCC 2018).
in humid or dry climate, in surface packaging materials.
products is called mechanical
water, in marine water, or in human
recycling. Another option is chemical PLA
made systems like home composting, Home composting recycling where materials are broken
industrial composting or anaerobic Polylactic acid – A biodegradable
Home composting creates conditions down to monomers which can be used
digestion (www.ows.be). polyester produced from lactic acid,
with much lower and less stable again for the production of polymer.
used in wide range of serviceware
temperatures than industrial
products and as filament for 3D
composting. There is no CEN standard
printing (NNFCC 2018).
for plastics that are suitable for home
composting but several countries Industry example: PG Tips is using
have developed and applied national PLA for their tea bags (NNFCC 2018).
standards for testing and certifying
of home compostable materials.
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 9Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
Glossary
PP PET PA Starch blends
Polypropylene – a recyclable Polyethylene terephthalate is a type Polyamides (Nylon) comprise the The majority of bio-based plastics are
polyolefin that is commonly used for of resin and a form of polyester; largest family of engineering plastics currently manufactured using starch
margarine tubs, microwaveable meal it is commonly labelled with the code with a very wide range of applications. as a feedstock (c.a. 80% of current
trays, also produced as fibres and on or near the bottom of bottles Polyamides are one of the major bio-based plastics). The current major
filaments for carpets, wall coverings and other containers. PET has some engineering and high performance sources of this starch are maize,
and vehicle upholstery (WRAP 2018). important characteristics such its plastics because of their good balance potatoes and cassava. Other
strength, thermo-stability, gas barrier of properties. Polyamides are very potential sources include arrowroot,
PTT properties and transparency. It is resistant to wear and abrasion, have barley, some varieties of liana, millet,
also lightweight, shatter-resistant good mechanical properties even at oats, rice, sago, sorghum, sweet
Polytrimethylene terephthalate is
and recyclable (WRAP 2018). elevated temperatures, have low potato, taro and wheat (BPF 2018).
a type of polyester that differs from
permeability to gases and have good
the common one polyethylene
chemical resistance, good dimensional PLC
terephthalate (PET) as it contains one
stability, good toughness, high
more methylene group in the aliphatic Polycaprolactone is a biodegradable
strength, high impact resistance,
chain that links the terephthalic polymer that is suitable for
good flow.
moiety (European Commission Joint applications requiring years of
Research Centre 2013). stability. In recent years it is
becoming of increased interest to
manufacturers of medical devices
and drug delivery particles
(polysciences.com 2018).
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 10Behaviour Suitability Treatment and Environmental
Introduction Material type Carbon footprint Glossary References
and features for recycling disposal routes impact
References
Defra (2015) ‘Review of the standards for WRAP (2010) Life cycle assessment of example
biodegradable plastic carrier bags’. Available at: packaging systems for milk http://www.wrap.org.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ uk/sites/files/wrap/Final%20Report%20Retail%20
uploads/attachment_data/file/485904/carrier-bag- 2010.pdf
biodegradable-report-2015.pdf (Downloaded on
the 26/01/2018). Umweltbundesamt (German Federal Environment
Agency) (2013) Study of the Environmental Impacts
PAS600:2013 Bio-based products. Guide to of Packagings Made of Biodegradable Plastics
standards and claims https://shop.bsigroup.com/ https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/
ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030262005 files/medien/461/publikationen/4446.pdf
DEFRA (2011) study on plastic bags can be found Piemonte, Vincenzo & Gironi, Fausto. (2012).
here and a figure illustrating the global warming Bioplastics and GHGs saving: The land use change
potential of each type of bag included in that study (LUC) emissions issue. Energy Sources, Part A:
is included at the end of this table. (Defra https:// Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects.
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ 34. 1995-2003. 10.1080/15567036.2010.497797.
uploads/attachment_data/file/485904/carrier-bag-
biodegradable-report-2015.pdf Bioplastics diagram based on the European
Bioplastics version https://www.european-
WRAP (2010) Environmental Benefits of Recycling bioplastics.org/bioplastics/materials/
2010 update http://www.wrap.org.uk/content/
environmental-benefits-recycling Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (2017):
Biobased and biodegradable plastics – Facts and
Figures – see link below https://www.wur.nl/upload_
mm/e/6/8/113a1607-0925-4829-b864-
f0e6a5fc79c5_170419%20Report%20Bio-based%20
Plastic%20Facts.pdf
WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging 11WRAP’s vision is a world in which resources are used sustainably. Our mission is to accelerate the move to a sustainable resource efficient economy through reinventing how we design, produce and sell products; re-thinking how we use and consume products; and re-defining what is possible through re-use and recycling. Find out more at www.wrap.org.uk WRAP Second Floor Blenheim Court 19 George Street Banbury Oxon OX16 5BH www.wrap.org.uk @WRAP_UK WRAP | Understanding plastic packaging
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