5 key strategies for more effective global plastic recycling
The OECD warns global plastic waste could triple by 2060, driven by short-lived plastics like packaging, textiles, and disposable items. Adopting these 5 key strategies is crucial to reduce waste, prevent leakage, and cut emissions.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warns that global plastic waste is projected to nearly triple by 2060 under a business-as-usual scenario, placing enormous strain on waste management systems worldwide.
The surge is driven largely by the growing consumption of short-lived plastics, such as packaging, textiles, and disposable products, which often end up in landfills or pollute the natural environment.
Addressing this challenge requires action across the entire plastic lifecycle, with these 5 strategies essential for reducing mismanaged waste, preventing environmental leakage, and lowering greenhouse-gas emissions.
Design for recyclability
Encourage product design and business models that prioritize material recirculation by using mono-material packaging instead of multi-layer composites, and by avoiding additives or dyes that interfere with recycling processes.
Standardization of plastics
Another step is improving the production of plastics themselves. Harmonize polymer types, labeling, and codes globally to simplify sorting.
Improved collection and sorting infrastructure
Invest in curbside collection, drop-off points, and waste separation technologies. Use automated sorting systems – optical, AI-driven, or near-infrared – to increase material recovery.
Advanced recycling technologies
Integrating advanced recycling solutions like ONE, DUO and DUO 7000 into recycling operations allows companies to increase recycled content and turn plastic waste into valuable resources.
Consumer engagement and education
Increase public awareness of sorting, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics. Encourage participation in recycling programs through convenient and accessible systems.
To learn more about improving plastic recycling, email Alessandro Sartori at alessandro.sartori@breakmachinery.com