Benefits of Recycling Plastic Bags and Film Packaging

Recycling plastic bags, film and wraps is important because they are made from valuable materials that can be made into useful new products like low-maintenance fencing and decking, building and construction products and, of course, new bags.

Below are some additional examples of the benefits of bag and film recycling:

Protect the Environment

A European study from Denkstatt in 2010 found that using plastics reduce energy use by 61 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 57 percent across a variety of applications compared to alternative materials. For instance, 2,000 plastic bags weigh 30 pounds, while 2,000 paper bags weigh 280 lbs. Both are recyclable, but if landfilled, plastic bags take up a lot less space.

Recycling plastics can help conserve energy and natural resources by replacing virgin material in the manufacturing of new products. It takes 91 percent less energy to recycle a pound of plastic than it takes to recycle a pound of paper.

Greater Recycled Plastic Supply

Recycling used plastic bags and film packaging helps make a more sustainable product: America’s plastic bag makers have committed to achieve a goal of 40 percent recycled content, including 25 percent post-consumer material, in plastic shopping bags manufactured by member companies, by 2015. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 463 million pounds, conserve enough energy (mainly natural gas) to heat 200,000 homes and reduce waste by 300 million pounds annually.

Keep Foods Fresher Longer

Plastic-wrapped vegetables and fruits may seem like a waste, but plastic packaging provides an added layer of protection and keeps food fresher longer. We could use the help. At 33 million tons thrown away in 2010, food – according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – is now the single largest material of municipal solid waste that reaches landfills and incinerators.

In a Freakonomics article, “According to the Cucumber Growers’ Association , just 1.5 grams of plastic wrap extends a cuke’s shelf life from 3 to 14 days, all the while protecting it from ‘dirty hands.’ Another study found that apples packed in a shrink wrapped tray cut down on fruit damage (and discard) by 27 percent. Similar numbers have been found for potatoes and grapes. Again, while it seems too simple a point to reiterate, it’s often forgotten: the longer food lasts the better chances there are of someone consuming it.”