North American Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), based in Washington commissioned a study which has found that recycled plastics used in manufacturing of new products lowers the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission of production.
Waste Management Review reported on the study by APR written by Franklin Associates, a division of ERG, Lexington, Massachusetts, called “Life cycle impacts for postconsumer recycled resins: PET, HDPE and PP”.
Looking at the recycling processes of the three types of plastic (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP)), the report showed that adding recycled plastics to the manufacturing process, lowered energy consumption up to 88 percent with the use of HDPE and lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 71 percent. Using recycled PET reduced energy consumption by 79 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 67 percent, and although PP only lowered the energy consumption by eight percent, the report found the green house gas emission was lowered by 71 percent.
The comparison of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions was made by Franklin Associates comparing the use of recycled plastics in the process compared to virgin plastics.
According to Waste Management Review APR president Steve Alexander said: “The study shows a win-win for companies who incorporate recycled plastic resin into their new products. They can improve the environmental sustainability of their products and processes and reduce their energy costs. It demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of the full recycling chain for plastic goods – a chain that starts with companies manufacturing recyclable products and ends with consumers buying products made from recycled materials.”
CEO of Mexico-based PetStar and chair of The APR board of Directors, Jamie Camara added: “This report clearly demonstrates the benefits of a renewed commitment to plastic recycling. It is critical that North America continues to invest in our recycling infrastructure so that we can expand the material that is collected, sorted and processed for second use. Recycling and using recycled materials are good for manufacturers, consumers and the planet.”
