Plastic Recycling Fact Check:
5 Myths Put to the Test
Recycling is one of the key pillars of a sustainable circular economy – especially when it comes to plastics.
Yet there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding plastic recycling.
We have taken a closer look at five common misconceptions and separated fact from fiction.
Here is the fact check at a glance:
Myth 1: Recycled plastic? It’s no good!
FALSE!
Thanks to new technologies, recycled plastics can now achieve almost the same level of quality as virgin materials. PET is a good example: it can be recycled into new bottles while meeting all relevant safety standards. Advanced cleaning processes and environmentally friendly additives can also improve the durability and stability of recycled materials.
Myth 2: Recycling? It’s all just for show!
FALSE!
Modern sorting technologies and efficient recycling facilities are making it possible to recover and reuse more and more plastics. New regulations and incentives for businesses are also helping to increase recycling rates. There is still room for improvement, but recycling is already a key element of a sustainable circular economy.
Myth 3: Bioplastics? The best solution!
FALSE!
Biodegradable plastics require specific conditions to break down and are not necessarily the more sustainable option. Recycled plastics can often have a lower environmental impact because they can be recovered and reused multiple times. The important thing is to consider the entire life cycle of a material – from production and use to recycling and end-of-life treatment.
Myth 4: Recycled plastic? Only suitable for one more use!
FALSE!
Many plastics can be recycled several times without losing their quality.
New technologies are making recycled materials increasingly pure and high-performing. Some companies are developing recycled plastics that retain properties comparable to virgin materials even after several recycling cycles.
Myth 5: Recycling? It works with every material!
FALSE!
Not every plastic is equally easy to recycle.
Packaging made from multiple materials or heavily coloured plastics can often be difficult or even impossible to recover efficiently. The simpler and more clearly defined a material is, the easier it is to recycle. That is why products should be designed with their future recyclability in mind from the very beginning.
Recycling Starts with Design
The challenges facing plastic recycling are diverse – but so are the advances being made.
A holistic approach is essential: from material selection and product design to collection, processing and reuse. Only by considering the entire value chain can a truly circular economy work.
This is exactly where RDG comes in: with expertise across the entire value chain and the goal of making plastic recycling more efficient, transparent and sustainable.
