A new report by the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) has revealed an increase in the recycling of post-consumer plastic packaging for the third consecutive year.
The 2012 Post Consumer Plastics Recycling report is based on results derived from a survey of firms handling recycled plastics in North America, including manufacturers, reclaimers, exporters, brokers and material recovery facilities.
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The report revealed that more than 285 million kilogrammes of post-consumer plastic packaging was collected in 2012, an increase of 10% over 2011.
Around 175 million kilogrammes of plastic bottles were recycled in 2012, an increase of 3% against 2011.
The year 2012 also saw a 29% increase in the recycling of rigid plastics such as deli and dairy containers, an around 18% increase for plastic bags and outer wraps, and a 24% increase for polystyrene foam.
The report also estimated that the film and bag recycling capacity in Canada went up from 38% to 49%, while the capacity for rigid plastics increased from 47% to 60%.
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By GlobalDataCPIA president and CEO Carol Hochu noted that there was an overall increase in the involvement of companies in the survey.
"We continue to work with our members to build and grow our national recycling industry in Canada, re-using valuable plastic materials and creating jobs," she added.
Plastic packaging is collected for recycling, including plastic bottles, rigid plastics, bakery, vegetable and fruit containers, and plastic films, bags and outer wraps. The products are used to make fleece jackets, new plastic bottles, pipes, pallets, crates, buckets, decking and other lawn and garden products.
Image: Plastic bottles. Photo: courtesy of bplanet/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
