MOSCOW (MRC) -- An additional 9% of plastic packaging was recycled in Canada in 2013 compared with 2012, a new report concludes, said Canplastics.
Complied by Moore Recycling Associates Inc. and released by the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA), the report attributes the increase to more material being collected for recycling as well as more companies providing recycling information.
In total, more than 311 million kilograms of postconsumer plastic packaging were collected in Canada in 2013 for recycling.
The results are derived from a voluntary survey of more than 500 companies that handle recycled plastics in North America. These companies are made up of reclaimers, exporters, brokers, material recovery facilities and other handlers of used plastics.
“We are proud to report that over 80% of the plastic material reported was reclaimed in Canada or the USA. This amounts to more than 240 million kilograms. It is evident the plastics recycling industry in North America is an important element in the circular economy,” said CPIA president and CEO Carol Hochu.
According to the report, the reported quantities of plastic recycled in 2013, compared to 2012, represent an increase of 13 million kilograms for bottles and an increase of 10 million kilograms for plastic film, such as bags and outer wrap. “Of particular note, there was a 23% increase in plastic film and bags recycling attributed to both an increase in collection and strengthened participation in the survey,” the report said.
"Canadian plastics recyclers want more supply; they have underutilized capacity creating ample opportunity for consumers and businesses to supply our recyclers with more plastics," the report continued. "It is estimated that the film and bag recycling capacity in Canada is at a 44% utilization rate and non-bottle rigid recycling capacity is at a 72% utilization rate."
Plastic packaging collected for recycling includes plastic bottles, non-bottle rigid plastics such as deli and dairy containers, bakery, vegetable, fruit containers, and plastic film, bags and outer wrap. These resources are reused to make fleece jackets, new plastic bottles, pipe, pallets, crates and buckets, decking and other lawn and garden products.
MRC