Enhancing Plastic Container Labeling for Consumer Clarity and Recycling: A Proposal for Improved Identification of Plastic Types in Food and Beverage Packaging
Background
Plastic food and beverage containers fall into a variety of categories based on their composition. Some categories lend themselves to recycling better than others. Consumers and recyclers typically separate their plastic containers by category.
The categories are stamped into the bottom of the containers. The stamp consists of a Recycle logo triangle with a number inside, each number designating a particular category of plastic.
The triangles are often as small as 3/16” (5 mm) and the identifying category numbers must fit within the triangle.
This makes it difficult for recyclers to read, and discourages recycling. Enlarging the stamp would make recycling quicker and easier. It would not require noticeable amount of plastic for the manufacturer.
Course of Action
- Identify the rationale and source for the small labels.
- Contact national recycling organizations for assistance.
- Contact container manufacturers to determine if they have a position on this issue, and if so what is it?
- Map a pathway for improved category recognition.
