Recycled Plastic Market: Why is It so Important?

The packaging sector is the segment that most fully harnesses the remarkable plastic properties. Whether for food or beverages using plastic is the easiest and most cost-effective way for companies to protect their products. While plastic is useful, it carries serious environmental drawbacks. Turning to the recycled plastic market could help address the global waste challenge.

While we cannot reuse all the plastic that has ever been made, we can certainly make a start. Recycling rates are gradually rising in various countries. Recycled packaging is no longer just a concept. Innovative companies are leading the way by involving recycled plastic market in their various offerings.

There are numerous reasons why plastic is so popular among manufacturing companies. Thanks to its durability, plastic effectively safeguards the contents inside the packaging. It does not matter how harsh the external environment might be. With long molecules chains linked together, it is almost impervious to damage.
Plastic is lightweight. This makes transportation relatively inexpensive and easy. For instance, a PET bottle might be up to 40 times lighter than a glass one. This low weight also helps reduce energy consumption and gas emissions in transit in comparison to other materials. And finally, plastic’s ability to become countless shapes makes it an incredibly versatile material with endless potential applications. Just think about the vast array of plastic packaging available. Everything from film wraps and boxes to bottles and containers. The options truly seem limitless.

As it is very useful and versatile, it is no wonder that many manufacturing companies and other industries rely on plastic. Therefore, it is important to reduce its impact on the planet. This is because the remarkable durability enables it to persist in the environment for centuries before it starts to break down.

Research suggests that it takes a minimum of 450 years for a PET bottle to completely degrade. During which time it breaks down into a small piece of microplastics that can infiltrate our food chain. It contributes to plastic packaging being among the most frequent waste in ocean environments.

Why is It so Important?

The recycled plastic market size is increasingly growing around the world as many have recognized its importance.

1.    Eliminates dependence on fossil fuels

Recycling plastic just a single ton saves oil up to 16.3 barrels. This highlights how the use of recycled plastic might facilitate a shift to renewable energy sources from fossil fuels.

2.    Minimize natural resources utilization

We should not keep depleting our planet’s resources when we can reuse what is already available. By utilizing recycled plastic, we provide a second life opportunity to valuable materials that are already part of our economy.

3.    Energy efficiency

When we recycle plastic just a single ton, we save energy up to 5,774 kWh. It is enough to power a Tesla battery for over 100 charges.

4.    Reduce waste

Making use of plastic that is already part of our natural surroundings is a valuable way to decrease pollution levels.

5.    Other benefits for businesses

Businesses can also gain numerous benefits by utilizing the recycled plastic market. It has the potential to strengthen brand loyalty while delivering an uplifting and supportive message to the audience. This strategy can also lead to higher sales. It is because many consumers now expect plastic bottles to contain at least fifty percent recycled content. Some are even ready to pay more for products that come with this kind of plastic.
The strategy can further open up PR and marketing opportunities. Many companies utilizing this approach are more often to catch the attention of environmental organizations and journalists. This approach helps businesses align with existing legal requirements and anticipate future laws. In India, companies must collect and recycle the plastic products that they distribute.