By choosing products packaged in recycled plastic, we can help reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
The environmental impact of plastics production
Virgin plastic or new plastic is made from petrochemical feedstocks such as petroleum or natural gas. The production of virgin plastics has a significant environmental impact. It contributes to air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of natural resources.
In addition, the disposal of virgin plastic waste is also a serious problem, as it takes hundreds of years to degrade. By choosing recycled plastics, we can reduce the demand for virgin plastics and minimise their negative impact on the environment.
The benefits of recycled plastic
Recycled plastic has many advantages over virgin plastics. First of all, it helps reduce the amount of plastic waste that goes to landfills or pollutes our oceans. By using recycled plastic, we can give new life to materials that would otherwise take centuries to degrade.
Overall, choosing recycled plastic is a simple but effective way to contribute to a greener future.
Plastic saved from the ocean - Prevented Ocean Plastic -, POP for short
An example of recycled plastic is Prevented Ocean Plastic (POP). POP is fully certified recycled plastic from coastal areas where there is a risk of plastic pollution in the ocean. The plastic bottles that accumulate on beaches, coastlines and alongside major rivers that flow into the sea are collected and recycled into new, sustainable packaging.
What does POP offer more? When a bottle reaches the sea, salt water and the sun quickly erode the plastic, making it largely impossible to recycle. For this reason, collecting plastic bottles from the ocean is more of a 'litter pick' than a recycling effort.
So the POPs programme tackles the root cause of the problem: first and foremost, it prevents plastic from getting into the water.
How can we make a difference by choosing recycled plastic?
By choosing recycled plastic products, we can make a significant impact on the environment. Start by looking for products that have a clear label or symbol to indicate that they are made from recycled plastic, such as the recycled symbol or the phrase "made from recycled materials". For POP packaging, look for the blue logo with the ocean symbol.
CYCLE concentrate in POP packaging
Supporting brands and companies that prioritise recycling and incorporate recycled plastics into their products encourages a circular economy and reduces the demand for virgin plastic production.
Together, let's make informed choices that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
