What is the Basis for the Roll ‘n’ Recycling® Claim?
Recycling can be confusing so we have outlined the approach that is used to ensure the Roll ‘n’ Recycle® Mark is only applied to flexible plastic pouches that will be acceptable to recyclers.
This assessment methodology is included in the Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (www.prep.org.au). Companies wishing to use the Roll ‘n’ Recycle® Mark need to have completed a PREP assessment and provided a copy of the report.
Why do I have to Roll the packaging and stick it, if it’s made of recyclable material? Can’t I just place it straight in the recycling bin?
No, the rolling is the key ingredient to allow the packaging to make it through the recycling process. If it is not rolled, the plastic pouch/bag will end up in the paper stream at the recycling facility and contaminate it causing lost time and money and ultimately ending up in landfill.
Do Councils allow this plastic at kerbside?
Yes, once the pouch has been rolled it can be classified as ‘rigid plastic’ as it is now self supporting.
Low Density Polypropylene (LDPE) and Polypropylene (PP) are the materials commonly used for these pouches. Both of these materials are widely accepted by Councils based on surveys completed by Planet Ark.
Will the pouch be small enough to avoid travelling to cardboard stream at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)?
Yes, once it has been rolled up it will be small enough.
Will the pouch be large enough to avoid travelling to the glass stream at the MRF?
Yes, the certified pouches will be long enough to travel across this screens to the plastic container stream.
Will the pouch be three dimensional and so travel to the plastics stream?
Yes, once it has been rolled it will be 3D
Will the near infrared (NIR) cameras be able to sort the pouch at the plastics separation process?
Yes, the rolled pouches will be sorted similarly to plastic bottles
Will the different polymer laminates separate at the plastic recycling facility and not cause contamination?
Yes, we ensure that the Roll ‘n’ Recycle® Mark is only included on these type of pouches.
Will more than 70% of the recovered polymer be recovered for recycling?
Yes, we ensure that the Roll ‘n’ Recycle® Mark is only included on these types of pouches.
So Roll ‘n’ recycle should work in theory, but does it work in the real world?
A full real world trial was conducted and Roll ‘n’ Recycle® passed with flying colours. The trial and many conversations over years have involved many industry experts from many areas of the recycling and packaging industries.