Recycled vs Virgin Plastics for Packaging
As the world grows more environmentally conscious, the use of recycled plastics in packaging has become increasingly popular. But is it really better than using virgin plastics? In this blog post, we will compare recycled and virgin plastics in terms of their production, cost, and environmental impact.
Production
Virgin plastics are produced from non-renewable sources such as crude oil or natural gas. The production process involves extracting and processing these resources, which can be both energy and resource-intensive. On the other hand, recycled plastics are made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste that has been processed and cleaned. The production process of recycled plastic requires less energy compared to virgin plastic, as it doesn't need to extract raw materials.
Cost
The cost of recycled plastic is dependent on the availability and quality of the plastic scrap used. Because the process of recycling is more complex than producing virgin plastic, the cost of recycled plastic can be higher. However, as demand for recycled plastics increases and technology improves, the cost of recycled plastics is expected to decrease. Virgin plastics, on the other hand, are cheap because they are readily available and require less processing time.
Environmental Impact
The impact of plastics on the environment has been a major concern in recent years. Virgin plastics contribute to the depletion of non-renewable resources, and their production process emits greenhouse gases. On the other hand, recycled plastics prevent plastic waste from ending up in landfills and the ocean. It also uses less energy and resources, leading to a lower carbon footprint. However, the recycling process can also generate waste and emissions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both recycled and virgin plastics have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of production cost and environmental impact. Choosing one over the other ultimately depends on the specific needs of the packaging material and available resources. However, it's important to note that recycling is a great way to reduce plastic waste and conserve natural resources.
References
- Plastic Europe. 2020. "Plastics - the Facts 2020." www.plasticseurope.org.
- National Geographic. 2021. "Recycling Plastics: What the Numbers Mean." www.nationalgeographic.com.