Canada's recycling of plastic packaging increased by 9%
About 80% of the plastic material reported was reclaimed in Canada or the U.S.
Recycling in Canada continues to pick up momentum. According to Moore Recycling Associates, an additional 9% of plastic packaging was recycled in 2013 compared to 2012. Plastic packaging collected for recycling includes plastic bottles, non-bottle rigid plastics (such as deli and dairy containers, bakery, vegetable, fruit containers), and plastic film, bags and outer wrap.
The results are derived from a voluntary survey of more than 500 companies that handle recycled plastics in North America. These companies are made up of reclaimers, exporters, brokers, material recovery facilities (MRFs) and other handlers of used plastics.
Canadian plastics recyclers want more supply, according to the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA). It is estimated that the film and bag recycling capacity in Canada is at a 44% utilization rate and non-bottle rigid recycling capacity is at a 72% utilization rate.
“Given the extensive recycling infrastructure, the impact of China’s Green Fence on Canadian businesses was minimized. CPIA’s efforts and this new report show that the Canadian plastics recycling industry is strong and growing. Consumers, communities and businesses are encouraged to continue to grow their plastics recycling programs. Used plastics are valuable resources to be re-manufactured into new products,” says Krista Friesen, VP of sustainability for the CPIA.
Related Content
-
NPE2024 Wrap-Up: Sustainability Dominates Show Floor News
Across all process types, sustainability was a big theme at NPE2024. But there was plenty to see in automation and artificial intelligence as well.
-
Recycled Material Prices Show Stability Heading into 2023
After summer's steep drop, most prices leveled off in the second half.
-
Foam-Core Multilayer Blow Molding: How It’s Done
Learn here how to take advantage of new lightweighting and recycle utilization opportunities in consumer packaging, thanks to a collaboration of leaders in microcellular foaming and multilayer head design.
