Most bags have about 25 to 30 percent maximum recycled content
by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
This was the statement that was released about a year or more ago and still to this day they are aiming for it.
Manufacturers of plastic carrier bags are aiming for a target of 40% recycled plastic in the polymer from which new bags are being made.
This shows that whatever claims there are as to “made from recycled plastic”, leading consumers to believe that this might be hundred per cent, are false and misleading, but no one is prepared to do anything about it.
It is important though that we understand how the “recycled” labelling works and that we do not get deceived by sexy claims that cannot be substantiated as, physically, it is an impossibility; like “100% recycled plastic” in a grocery bag. It just cannot be done.
As to other plastics that might be a different story though, as far as I am concerned, I would need to be shown that it is really only post-consumer plastic that is being used to make this or that new product.
With some plastics it may, probably, work – I don't know, I am not a scientist in that field – but the plastic wood, for instance, from which park benches and such are being made and even fences and fence posts, appear to contain additives; sawdust in some cases, so it would seem.
While the use of a percentage of recycled is already something that must be encouraged it is the greenwash in the “made from recycled plastic” claim that I have a serious beef with.
Why? Because the general public perceives that, erroneously, to mean 100% post-consumer plastic, which it is not.
© 2011
