New nationwide mandates and changing consumer expectations revamp the CPG or Consumer Packaged Goods industry. Across diverse sectors, packaging producers have to face immense pressure to find alternatives to the traditional ‘use once & discard’ principle that has long been prevalent in most products. This is where plastic recycling granules come in.
While there is no unified law governing single-use plastics or a comprehensive mandate for recycled plastic products, leading manufacturers of plastic recycling granules, like Banyan Nation, are pushing consumer goods producers to rethink their industry’s value chain.
Forecasting consumer expectations and emerging regulations, some of the leading CPG producers have declared public commitments to 2030 to achieve reduction goals. To achieve these objectives, they are continuing to dive into using less material, adopting the concept of using plastic recycling granules, and bringing forth biodegradable designs of sought-after consumer items like chip bags and beverage bottles.
Handling Plastic Reuse in Changing CPG Regulations
Due to the pervasiveness of plastic packaging, the CPG industry is effectively positioned to transform the future of reusing and reducing virgin plastic resin. However, the reduction of plastic reuse and sourcing do not usually go hand in hand. While leading industry-specific associations claim the collection and sourcing of recycled plastic packaging, the norms of sustainability call for reducing the production of virgin resins, serving as the foundation of plastic packaging.
To satisfy the mandates of recycled packaging, the CPG industry is expected to focus on both – the sourcing of recycled plastic and the use of recycled plastic resins, like rPE (Recycled High Density Polyethylene).
Some important considerations are:
- PET: It is a thermoplastic polymer resin with optical characteristics and the ability to be produced in reduced yet functional thickness. This plastic resin is utilized quite frequently across single-use applications, including soda, water, and food containers. Around 25 percent of PET bottles are recycled.
The second life of recycled PET materials is usually available as a polyester thread and fiber to be used for carpets and clothing.
- HDPE: It is another thermoplastic polymer resin. HDPE serves as the leading candidate for CPD reuse due to the simplified chemical structure and reduced surface energy, significantly reducing contamination risks in case of reuse.
HDPE is an easy-to-produce and durable plastic. It is usually utilized for the production of crates, jugs, cooking oil containers, and detergent containers. Recycled HDPE, or rPE, is used for the production of bottles for various applications.
Addressing the Recycling Gap in the CPG Industry
To meet emerging mandates for HDPE and PET recycling, CPG manufacturers are expected to redesign their products, adapt the supply lines, and harness new expertise in material selection. As they aim to leverage alternative processing methods to satisfy consumer demand and regulations, CPG manufacturers will eventually benefit from revamping their packaging operations. Some key considerations are:
- Lightweight Packaging: The concept of lightweight packaging allows producers to develop thinner and lighter packaging by upgrading their designs to minimize the amount of plastic while ensuring the topmost functional performance. Manufacturers also consider swapping out stubborn packaging for plastic pouches or flexible wraps.
CPG manufacturers look up to lightweight packaging as a temporary rather than a long-term solution. Still, it is believed that a slight packaging refresh is capable of reducing plastic use by around 20 percent, which is quite significant for CPG producers.
- Ease of Mechanical Recycling: As targets of recycling increase every year, the post-consumer life of CPG packaging must be analyzed for the ease of separating components of the product in mechanical recycling facilities.
- Bioplastics: Popular CPG companies have started trials of sourced food packaging, like from sugarcane or corn. These bio-sourced materials minimize the use of petroleum-based virgin resin.
- Reusing and Refilling: Within the cleaning and household products sector, some CPG manufacturers are reconsidering their value chains by allowing consumers to purchase such products in durable packaging that can be returned, cleaned, and refilled. Such a reuse program is enabled through subscription programs or store centers.
These models are capable of extending the lifespan of products & packaging while significantly reducing the utilization of single-use plastics.
- Biodegradable and Compostable Materials: Biodegradable or compostable packaging materials minimize the use of petroleum-based virgin plastic resin. Moreover, biodegradable materials deliver an end-of-life solution by reducing the production of landfill waste.
The Demand for Recycled Resin is on the Rise
Leading rPE manufacturers in India, like Banyan Nation, aim to drive the circular economy by recycling thousands of tons of plastic, minimizing carbon emissions, and diverting plastic from landfills. These initiatives not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also depict the economic potential of recycling in India.
Indulging in plastic recycling initiatives plays a vital role in transforming societal attitudes toward waste management and plastic consumption patterns. By increasing awareness about the benefits of recycling, leading recyclers like Banyan Nation educate communities while encouraging sustainable lifestyle choices. This societal transformation toward responsible plastic consumption encourages environmental consciousness while promoting a sense of collective responsibility for the well-being of the planet.
The recycling industry in India is all set for exponential growth, with the potential to rise to a remarkable $15 billion industry. This figure highlights the vast range of opportunities awaiting this soaring industry. Companies like Banyan Nation remain at the forefront, supporting innovation and sustainability at the same time.
Conclusion
The future of plastics is undeniably complex, shaped by both environmental concerns and technological advancements. While plastics have been instrumental in modern society, their widespread use and disposal have led to significant environmental challenges.
Recycled resins by providers like Banyan Nation offer a promising avenue for mitigating these issues. By incorporating recycled materials into plastic processing, we can reduce the demand for virgin fossil fuels, minimize landfill waste, and conserve natural resources. Moreover, recycled resins can be used to create new products, extending the life cycle of plastic materials and reducing their overall environmental impact.