Introduction
This document offers a comprehensive evaluation to determine the recyclability of a package’s material and format based on current data and applicable law. When assessing product recyclability, How2Recycle® considers five Main Assessment Categories and several Additional Considerations.
Please note that this evaluation may not be an exhaustive list of all factors affecting recyclability. Ongoing research and updates are essential to keep pace with industry developments and regulatory changes. This document is dynamic and may be updated as new information or other factors emerge.
Main Assessment Categories
Applicable Law
What does the law say about recyclability claims?
Applicable law is a foundational aspect of How2Recycle’s recyclability assessment, and the program will adapt to ensure that its labels comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
Collection
What percentage of the population has access to recycle this package in their community?
Assessing a package’s acceptance to existing recycling programs involves examining the percentage of the population with access to recycling services in their communities.
Sortation
Will the package be properly and consistently sorted (dimensionality, rigidity, etc.) in a material recovery facility (MRF) or recycling center?
Sortation refers to how well the package can be identified and sorted into the correct material stream at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). Factors like size, shape, flexibility, and density impact whether the package is correctly sorted into the appropriate recycling stream.
Reprocessing
Will the package be successfully reprocessed at paper mills, plastic reclaimers, film recyclers, etc.?
Technical recyclability testing assesses how well packaging materials integrate with existing recycling systems. This testing is crucial for understanding how these materials behave in recycling processes, identifying potential challenges, and confirming their compatibility with industry standards.
End Markets
Is there strong demand for the recycled package’s material to be used to manufacture new products?
A key factor in recycling is the existence of a viable end market for the recycled material. This criterion evaluates the demand for the recycled content that can be recovered from the package.
Additional Considerations
Consumer Experience & Perception
How do consumers interact with the package? How easy is it for consumers to recycle this package?
Material Health
Does the package contain intentionally added substances that are harmful or potentially harmful to the environment and/or human or nonhuman animal health?
Consistency & Common Sense
Is the package recyclability assessment consistent with those of similar product categories? Does the How2Recycle label provide clear and practical guidance to consumers on how to recycle?
Additional Resources
For a comprehensive understanding of recyclability criteria and label assignment process, please refer to the Guide to Recyclability. In addition to these core elements, How2Recycle evaluates other factors such as consumer preparation of packaging and material health. The Guide to Future Recyclability offers further insights into addressing packaging challenges and building a robust case for recyclability. These resources provide essential guidance and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of recyclability and support the development of sustainable packaging solutions.