Canada’s recycling rate of post-consumer plastic packaging has increased by 9% in a single year, according to the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA).
The country reportedly collected over 311 million kilograms of post-consumer plastic packaging for recycling in 2013 which was a 9% increase over the 2012 numbers.
The association stated that this increase was a result of an increase in the amount of material collected for recycling. Also, more companies have started providing information regarding recycling.
CPIA carried out a voluntary survey that involved more than 500 recycled plastics handling companies in North America including reclaimers, exporters, brokers, material recovery facilities (MRFs) and other handlers of used plastics.
The materials to be included in the recycling were plastic bottles, non-bottle rigid plastics (such as deli and dairy containers, bakery, vegetable, fruit containers), and plastic film, bags and outer wrap. These are used again to produce fleece jackets, new plastic bottles, pipe, pallets, crates and buckets, decking, and other lawn and garden products.
CPIA president and CEO Carol Hochu said: "We are proud to report that over 80% of the plastic material reported was reclaimed in Canada or the USA. This amounts to more than 240 million kilograms. It is evident the plastics recycling industry in North America is an important element in the circular economy."
In 2013, there was an increase of 13 million kilograms for bottles and 10 million kilograms for plastic film like bags and outer wrap for recycling.
Recycling of plastic film and bags increased by 23%. This happened because of increase in collection and greater participation in the survey.
CPIA VP sustainability Krista Friese said: "Given the extensive recycling infrastructure, the impact of China's Green Fence on Canadian businesses was minimized. CPIA's efforts and this new report show that the Canadian plastics recycling industry is strong and growing.
"Consumers, communities and businesses are encouraged to continue to grow their plastics recycling programs. Used plastics are valuable resources to be re-manufactured into new products."
Image: The increase in recycling of post-consumer plastic packaging was a result of increase in the amount of material collected for recycling. Photo: courtesy of Natara/freedigitalphotos.net.
