Recyclable Packaging Explained
We have attained EN 13432 biodegradable and compostable accreditation for our labels, sleeves and film a first in the UK!
Paragon Print and Packaging supply PE and PP labels and sleeves to enable mono composite packaging to be recycled closed loop.
This creates the potential for waste packaging to be recycled into new products diverting them from Landfill.
Recyclable packaging materials
Closed Loop recycling involves the provision of compliant (recyclable) packaging materials which can then be taken back after use and recycled and remanufactured into new end use materials, there by diverting them from landfill.
The following packaging materials can be recycled in the UK:
Paper based packaging
Paper based packaging made from a combination of recycled and virgin paper to food grade standard, the corrugated board serves as a great insulator of heat, provides strength and is 100% recyclable. It provides a sustainable alternative to expanded polystyrene packaging (foam), which has no recycling stream. Once the material is used, it can be incorporated into the paper recycling stream, pulped, processed and remanufactured into new corrugated board. However containers must be relatively free of food waste. For example burger clams, sandwich cartons, snack pack boxes, chip cups, hot dog boxes, pizza boxes and open trays.
PET packaging (polyethylene terephalate)
PET is a plastic material that shares many similarities with glass, its clarity, strength and barrier properties. It is tough and unbreakable and doesn't shatter or splinter and is the only polymer type that can be recycled back into food grade material and is 100% recyclable.
Popular uses for PET plastics: beverage bottles - water, coke, juices etc, drinking cups, some sandwich, yoghurt and salad containers and household cleaning products - dishwashing liquid etc. PET is identified by the number 1, often appearing in the centre of the mobius loop. It is interesting to note that the mobius loop appears on many different materials, it does not however mean that the material is recycled, as there may be no recycling stream or process to handle the material type. The current recycling rate of PET in the UK is 5% (Australia 55%). Approximately 25,000 bottles are required to produce a tonne or recycled PET. PET can be recycled back into food grade bottles/packaging and sheet material, textiles - polafleece and rope and non-woven, carpets.
HDPE (high desity polyethylene)
HDPE is an opaque plastic, used for containers such as milk bottles and plastic food tubs. HDPE is identified by the number 2, often appearing in the centre of the mobius loop. It can be recycled back into food grade bottles and packaging.
PP (polypropylene)
PP is a relatively strong and tough material, perfectly suited to the manufacture of cutlery as it doesn't snap or splinter and can tolerate high temperatures without losing form.
Clear PP is also used for drinking cups. PP can be recycled and manufactured into new end use materials such as planter pots, toy componenets and building industry parts.
Plastic identification chart
(PET) Polyethylene terephthalate - Fizzy drink bottles and oven-ready meal trays.
(HDPE) High-density polyethylene - Bottles for mild and washing-up liquids
(PPVC) Polyvinyl chloride - Food trays, cling film, bottles for squash, mineral water and shampoo.
(LDPE) Low density polyethylene - Carrier bags and bin liners.
(PP) Polypropylene - Margerine tubs, microwavable meal trays.
(PS) Polystyrene - Yoghurt pots, foam meat or fish trays, hamburger boxes and egg cartons, vending cups, plastic cutlery, protective packaging for electronic goods and toys.
Any other plastics that do not fall into any of the above categories - An example is melamine, which is often used in plastic plates and cups.
Biodegradable containers or bioplastics
Biodegradable containers or bioplastics are made of organic plant based starches. It is widely accepted in Europe that for packaging to be described as biodegradable it must comply with the standard BS EN 13432: "Packaging. Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation. Test scheme and evaluation criterai for the final acceptance of packaging". This standard is compatible with the American Standard ASTM D6400 and both the EU and American systems make a clear distiction between 'Biodegradable' materials that undergo degradation by biological processes to yield CO2 and water and 'Degradable', often referred to as 'Oxogradable', materials that involve a multi-stage process using a chemical additive to initiate degredation. In the UK, one final criterion required of plastics claiming to be 'Compostable' is that the resultant compost should meet the quality standards set out in the British Standards Institution's 'Publicly Available Specification for Compostod Materials' (PAS100:2005). This requires that any packaging inputted to a composting process complies with one of the relevant standards, BS EN 13432 or ASTM D6400. Due to their similar appearance bioplastics products can not be easily differed from conventional plastic products. The product certification based on the EN 13432 testing standard therefore introduced a label that has been protected in Europe and many countries abroad. The protected compostability mark "seedling" is accepted and is used in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom.
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