Design tips for making rigid plastic packaging more recyclable

The primary role of packaging is to protect the product and help eliminate product waste. This is paramount, since the carbon impact of the product generally far outweighs that of the packaging. However, wherever possible, packaging should be designed in a way that minimises environmental impact, uses the minimum amount of resources possible, and is recyclable.

For over 10 years RECOUP has provided detailed technical guidance on designing packaging for maximum recyclability. This document provides a summary of this guidance, highlights priority issues reported to WRAP and RECOUP by those sorting and reprocessing rigid plastic packaging, and provides alternative solutions.