Sim Bean Low: We need to collect, identify, sort and process plastics

The industry needs to understand the difference between the terms, biodegradable and compostable, says Sim Bean Low of Polyart

15 Jul 2021 | By WhatPackaging? Team

Sim Bean Low of Polyart

Is there a Green Gap?

The industry talks about biodegradable, but it’s at the most compostable. The industry needs to understand the difference between these two terms. Biodegradation is a difficult process as there is no industrial infrastructure to support the composting of the plastics. Therefore, we need to collect, identify, sort and process plastics.

On a positive note, India has one of the highest plastic recycling rates in the world, and brand owners are contributing their bit to driving this forward. We see large brand owners shifting away from plastic products or moving towards recyclable materials as much as possible. Also, a lot of brand owners have started to demand non-laminated products or mono-components for packaging. Due to the range of stakeholders involved in India's packaging value chain process, we see this as a move in the right direction.

One simple action plan for India

Design the end product, keeping recycling activities in mind. This will ensure that the packages are easily identified and sorted. It applies to all packaging materials, not only for plastics but also paper and paperboard packaging.

 

Tags : Sim Bean Low, Polyart;