Manufacturers challenged to rethink plastic food packaging

According to LGA, 525,000 tonnes of plastic pots, tubs and trays are used by households a year but just 169,145 tonnes of this waste is recyclable. Consequently, LGA is calling for manufacturers to work with councils to develop a plan to stop unrecyclable food packaging from entering the environment.

Packaging for food can be made from a variety of polymers that need to be separated out to remove “low grade” and non-recyclable polymers such as polystyrene. LGA state that fruit and vegetable punnets are often made from three different types of polymers including polystyrene. Some plastic packaging is made from a combination of polymers, as different plastics are used in the body and lid of a yoghurt pot.

In addition to developing a plan that ensures recyclable packaging is used where possible, councils are calling on the government to consider a ban on low-grade plastics, and for producers and manufacturers to contribute to the cost of collection or disposal.