Why Is Only 9% of Plastic Recycled, and What Can We Do to Change It?
Despite decades of awareness campaigns, only 9% of the plastic produced in the world is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, is incinerated or, even worse, ends up polluting our rivers, seas and soils. With more than 430 million tonnes of plastic produced annually, according to UNEP data, the scale of the problem is undeniable.
In this article we analyse the causes of this low recycling rate, the necessary solutions and the role of plastics recycling machinery and recycling plants as a fundamental part of the transformation towards a real and sustainable circular economy.
The reasons behind the low recycling rate of plastics
1. Poorly recyclable designs
Many plastic packaging and products are made from multiple layers or mixtures of materials (such as PET with aluminum or paper), making them difficult to separate and recycle efficiently.
2. Poor classification at source
Proper waste separation in homes, industries and businesses is crucial. However, the lack of environmental education and proper collection systems reduces the quality of plastic waste that reaches recycling plants.
3. Technological insufficiency
Many facilities do not have the right technology to process all types of plastics. This translates into a significant loss of recyclable materials that end up as unrecovered waste.
4. Lack of economic and regulatory incentives
The low price of virgin plastic, compared to recycled plastic, discourages its use. In addition, the lack of regulations that require the incorporation of recycled content in new products slows down the development of the recycling market.
Keys to increasing the plastic recycling rate
Product Redesign
Eco-design is essential: products and packaging must be created with reusability and recyclability in mind. This includes the use of pure polymers and the removal of difficult-to-separate mixed materials.
Selective collection and separation at source
Improving the selective collection infrastructure and raising awareness among citizens about their role in the process is vital to raise the quality of the materials that reach the plants.
Investment in plastics recycling machinery
The incorporation of advanced technological equipment makes it possible to increase the recovery rate and purity of recycled plastic. Among the most prominent are:
- Primary and secondary shredders
- Ballistic, optical and magnetic separators
- Robotic picking with artificial intelligence
- Automatic presses
- High-efficiency conveyor belts
These solutions are the backbone of modern plastics recycling plants.
Regulations and circular economy
Implementing regulations that encourage the use of recycled material and penalize the excessive use of virgin plastic is crucial. In addition, promoting circular business models where waste becomes a resource will help close the plastic loop.
The key role of technology in plastics recycling plants
Plastics recycling plants must be equipped with systems that allow for accurate and efficient sorting. The automation and digitalization of these processes increases productivity, reduces costs and improves the quality of the final product.
Among the most demanded technologies are:
- Infrared optical systems for separating polymer types
- Auto-selection robots with machine vision
- Density flotation equipment for rigid plastics and films
- Complete washing, drying and pelletizing lines
Investing in technology is investing in sustainability, efficiency and competitiveness.
Reverter Industries: innovation in plastics machinery and recycling plants
Reverter Industries is a company specialized in the design, manufacture and installation of machinery for the recycling of plastics and comprehensive development of plastic recycling plants adapted to the needs of each customer and industry.
At Reverter we work to ensure that our customers not only recycle more, but also do it better. Our solutions allow you to reduce your carbon footprint, optimize operating costs and comply with the most demanding quality standards and environmental regulations.
