Understanding Different Types of Plastic and Their Recyclability in the UK for Resealable Poly Bags

Introduction

Almost all resealable pouches in the UK and worldwide are made from one or more of the plastic types listed below, including kraft paper pouches. Understanding the materials used is the first step in determining whether a pouch is recyclable or not.

An exception applies to biodegradable pouches, which are designed to break down in landfill conditions. However, for these to be effective, they must be made entirely from biodegradable components. It is worth noting that there is insufficient testing and evidence to fully verify the effectiveness of such pouches in real-world conditions.

Plastics are ubiquitous in modern life, offering versatility and convenience in packaging, construction, and countless other applications. However, understanding the types of plastics and their recyclability is critical for sustainable waste management. In the UK, a range of plastics is used for various purposes, each with specific recycling challenges and opportunities. Below, we break down common types of plastics—PET, CPE, PE, OPP, BOPP, CPP, and PE—and their recyclability status in the UK.

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1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

• Applications: PET is widely used in single-use drink bottles, food packaging, and textiles.
• Recyclability: PET is one of the most commonly recycled plastics in the UK. Most local authorities accept PET bottles through kerbside collections. Recycled PET (rPET) is often used to manufacture new bottles, packaging, and even clothing. However, contamination (e.g., leftover food or liquid) can hinder the recycling process.

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2. CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene)

• Applications: CPE is used in cables, hoses, and weather-resistant products due to its flexibility and durability.
• Recyclability: CPE recycling is less common in the UK. It is categorized as a less-recyclable plastic because of its complex chemical structure and the presence of additives like chlorine. Recycling facilities may need specialized equipment to handle CPE, which limits its recyclability in general municipal systems.

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3. PE (Polyethylene)

• Applications: PE is a versatile material used in films, bags, containers, and household items.
• Recyclability: PE is divided into two main categories:
  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Commonly used for milk bottles and detergent containers, HDPE is widely recycled through kerbside schemes.
  • Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Used in plastic bags and wraps, LDPE recycling is less widespread. However, some supermarkets now offer collection points for LDPE films.

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4. OPP (Oriented Polypropylene)

• Applications: OPP is popular in snack packaging, labels, and stationery due to its clarity and strength.
• Recyclability: OPP poses challenges for recyclability. Most kerbside programs in the UK do not accept OPP because of its thin, flexible nature. Specialist recycling facilities can handle OPP, but access to such services is limited.

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5. BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene)

• Applications: BOPP is used for food packaging, labels, and overwraps. Its strength and transparency make it ideal for protecting perishable goods.
• Recyclability: Like OPP, BOPP is difficult to recycle through standard municipal systems. Innovations in recycling technologies are emerging, but for now, BOPP often ends up in landfills. Some specialist programs, often industry-led, accept BOPP for recycling.

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6. CPP (Cast Polypropylene)

• Applications: CPP is used for packaging applications such as laminates, textiles, and pouches.
• Recyclability: CPP recycling in the UK is limited, as the material is often combined with other plastics in multi-layered packaging, which complicates separation and processing. Increasing demand for mono-material solutions is driving interest in improving CPP recyclability.

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Challenges and Future Directions

Recycling plastics in the UK is influenced by several factors:

1. Infrastructure: The availability of facilities capable of processing less common plastics like CPE, OPP, and CPP.
2. Consumer Awareness: Many people remain unaware of which plastics are recyclable and where.
3. Contamination: Food residues and mixed materials reduce recycling efficiency.

To enhance plastic recycling, the UK government is implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, encouraging producers to design more recyclable products. Consumers can also contribute by properly cleaning and sorting plastics before disposal.

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Conclusion

Each type of plastic has unique characteristics and recyclability challenges. While PET and HDPE enjoy well-established recycling pathways, others like OPP and CPP require technological advancements and infrastructure improvements. By understanding these distinctions, individuals and businesses can make informed choices to reduce plastic waste and support the circular economy.

 

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Can You Recycle Resealable Pouches in the UK?

No, unless the pouch is made from a single-layer mono-plastic material, such as salad or bread bags, which case this type cannot offer reusability, longer shelf life, freshness and quality of the retail product you are packaging. While many resealable pouches are labelled as recyclable, this can be misleading. Recycling such pouches often requires specialist facilities with advanced material extraction technology to separate the layers, which are not widely available in the UK.

At Woodpecker Packaging, we choose not to claim full recyclability for our products, unlike some others, as we believe in being honest about the limitations of current recycling infrastructure. Instead, we focus on the reusability of this type of packaging, which makes it a more eco-friendly alternative to simple tear-and-throw options.

Understanding how common resealable pouches are recycled—or not—is essential to making informed decisions. Despite manufacturers' claims of full recyclability, the UK lacks the infrastructure to process such materials effectively. Councils also do not follow a consistent classification system for recyclable items, and there are no unified rules for kerbside recycling. Some supermarkets, such as Tesco, accept soft plastic bags for recycling—more details are available on their website at tesco.com.

For clarity, we have classified pouch recycling into three categories based on the available recycling options. You will find this information in the product descriptions on our website:

• Type 1: Recyclable through kerbside collection, recycling centres, or supermarkets that accept such waste.
• Type 2: Recyclable only through specialised recycling centres or participating supermarkets.
• Type 3: Recyclable only through commercial waste facilities equipped with advanced material extraction technology.

By being transparent about recyclability and emphasising reusability, we aim to help our customers make sustainable choices with accurate information.