the truth about plastic film: can it really be recycled?
waste wise by recyclapak
Why businesses should be paying more attention to their plastic film waste
Plastic film is something many businesses use every single day, often without giving much thought to what happens to it once it's served its purpose.
From the stretch wrap used to secure pallets to shrink wrap, packaging film and protective plastic coverings, it can quickly build up across warehouses, manufacturing facilities and distribution centres.
But here's the good news: much of this material has the potential to be recycled rather than sent for disposal.
So, what types of plastic film can be recycled, what should businesses be looking out for, and how can you make sure yours is being managed correctly?
Let's take a closer look.
What Is Plastic Film?
Plastic film is a lightweight, flexible form of plastic commonly used for packaging, protecting and transporting goods.
It's particularly common in commercial and industrial environments, where it's used to keep products secure, clean and protected during storage and transportation.
Some of the most common examples include:
Pallet stretch wrap: The clear or coloured film used to secure goods to pallets.
Shrink wrap: Plastic packaging that tightens around products when heat is applied.
Packaging film: Flexible plastic used to wrap and protect individual products.
Protective plastic coverings: Film used to prevent dust, moisture and damage during storage or transportation.
A large proportion of commercial plastic film is made from LDPE (low-density polyethylene), although other types of plastic are also used.
Understanding which material you're dealing with is important because not all plastic films can be recycled through the same process.
Can Plastic Film Be Recycled?
In many cases, yes!
Clean, dry and uncontaminated plastic film, particularly LDPE stretch wrap, is a valuable recyclable material.
Rather than automatically sending it to general waste, businesses may be able to separate their plastic film and send it to an appropriate recycling facility.
The material is typically sorted, processed and shredded before being washed and converted into recycled plastic flakes or pellets.
These can then be used as raw materials in the manufacture of new plastic products.
Depending on the quality of the material and the recycling process, recycled plastic can go on to have a variety of uses.
It's a great example of how something that might otherwise be considered waste can become a useful resource again.
Why Does Keeping Plastic Film Clean Matter?
This is where things can become a little more complicated.
Just because something is made from recyclable plastic doesn't automatically mean it can be recycled in its current condition.
Contamination is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to plastic film recycling.
Common issues include:
Food residue and liquid contamination
Dirt, dust and excessive moisture
Adhesive labels and excessive tape
Other types of plastic mixed into the load
General waste or unrelated materials
These contaminants can affect the quality of the material and make it more difficult to process.
In some cases, heavily contaminated plastic film may be rejected by recycling facilities or require additional sorting and treatment.
Keeping your plastic film clean and separate from other waste streams can therefore make a significant difference.
What Happens to Recycled Plastic Film?
So, once your plastic film has been collected, where does it actually go?
Although the exact process will depend on the recycling facility and the type of material, the general process involves several stages.
1. Collection and sorting
Plastic film is collected and taken to an appropriate recycling facility, where it can be checked and sorted according to its material type and quality.
2. Shredding and washing
The plastic is broken down into smaller pieces and washed to remove dirt, labels and other unwanted materials.
3. Processing
The cleaned plastic is processed and melted down before being converted into recycled plastic flakes or pellets.
4. Manufacturing new products
The recycled material can then be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new products, helping to reduce the demand for virgin plastic.
The aim is to give the material another life rather than allowing valuable resources to go to waste.
How Can Businesses Improve Their Plastic Film Recycling?
For businesses that regularly receive deliveries, dispatch products or handle large quantities of packaging, plastic film can quickly become one of their biggest recyclable waste streams.
The good news is that improving how it's managed doesn't have to be complicated.
Here are a few practical steps businesses can take:
1. Keep plastic film separate
Avoid mixing recyclable plastic film with general waste, cardboard or other materials. Keeping it separate makes it easier to identify and recover.
2. Keep it clean and dry
Try to prevent plastic film from becoming contaminated with food, liquids, dirt or other unwanted materials.
3. Remove unnecessary materials
Where possible, remove cardboard cores, excessive tape, labels and other packaging components, following the requirements of your recycling provider.
4. Consider baling your plastic film
For businesses producing larger quantities, investing in a suitable baler can be a practical way to manage plastic film.
Baling compresses loose film into manageable, compact bales, making it easier to store, handle and transport.
It can also help businesses make better use of available storage space.
5. Speak to your waste provider
Different recycling facilities have different acceptance criteria. Check which materials they can accept and what condition they need to be in before arranging collections.
Why Is Plastic Film Recycling Important?
Plastic film is lightweight, but the quantities generated by commercial businesses can be surprisingly significant.
When managed correctly, recycling plastic film can help businesses:
Reduce the amount of waste sent for disposal.
Recover valuable recyclable materials.
Reduce contamination across other waste streams.
Make better use of available storage space.
Support wider environmental and sustainability objectives.
It's also an opportunity to review your existing waste arrangements and identify whether recyclable materials are being unnecessarily mixed with general waste.
Sometimes, a few small changes to how waste is separated and stored can make a real difference.
How Recyclapak Can Help
At Recyclapak, we understand that plastic waste can present different challenges depending on the type of business, the materials being produced and the quantities involved.
Whether you're a manufacturer, warehouse, distributor or commercial business, we can help you identify practical solutions for managing your plastic waste more effectively.
We work with businesses to understand their waste streams, identify opportunities for recycling and develop collection arrangements suited to their individual requirements.
From loose plastic film to larger volumes of recyclable material, our aim is to help businesses make better use of their waste wherever possible.
Because good waste management isn't simply about getting rid of waste. It's about understanding what you produce and finding the best way to manage it.
waste wise tip: don't let your pallet wrap go to waste!
If your business regularly uses stretch wrap or other plastic packaging film, take a look at how much you're throwing away.
Could it be separated? Could it be recycled? Would baling make it easier to manage?
Keeping clean plastic film separate from general waste is a simple starting point that could help your business recover more recyclable material.
Remember: not all waste is waste. Sometimes, it's just a resource waiting for another opportunity!
Need Help Managing Your Plastic Waste?
If your business produces regular quantities of plastic film and you're unsure about the best way to manage it, the Recyclapak team is here to help.
We can work with you to understand your requirements and find a practical plastic recycling solution tailored to your business.
Get in touch with Recyclapak today on 01384 438 516 or email info@recyclapak.co.uk to discuss your plastic waste requirements.