Core Principles For Plastic Packaging Recyclability

This document shows how designers and manufacturers can maximise the recyclability of plastic packaging products.

It provides detailed guidance for a variety of polymers, with tables summarising best practice for the main component of the packaging, as well as other components such as lids and labels.

Readers are encouraged to engage with the detailed advice contained within this report but below we provide five simple guidelines as a summary to bear in mind when designing plastic packaging products.

	Use same material Use mono-materials or mixed materials of the same type wherever possible. If different materials have to be used they should be different densities.
	Minimise colour Non-pigmented plastic is preferred. If colour is necessary, avoid strong colours as much as possible.
	Easily separable closures These should be easy to detach, should leave  no attachments once removed and ideally be  recyclable themselves.
	Avoid full sleeves If a sleeve must be used, it should be easily removable and there should be clear instructions explaining how  to detach it
	Small, easily removable labels Adhesives should be used sparingly and labels should cover no more than 60% of the product’s surface area,  as well as being easy to remove.

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The 2024 RBD summary has been researched and compiled by Paul East, Head of Packaging Recycling & Design, RECOUP in consultation with the BPF.