Plastic bag recycling has been an urgent topic for years now, and so it’s understandable that many industries want to minimise their environmental impact.
However, what many people don’t know is that most woven low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bulk bags that have reached the end of their useful life can be recycled into new plastic products with zero material waste. This reduces the landfill burdens and supports local livelihoods.
Plus, many flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) are reused multiple times before eventually being discarded. Many businesses repurpose them as general-purpose containers or for the transportation of loose waste.
Also, informal waste reclaimers often collect discarded bags and repurpose them to gather recyclables or to carry personal items. There are also entire industries that have arisen from entrepreneurial individuals who stitch or transform discarded bags into other products.
Recyclability
LDPE is a thermoplastic that can therefore be fully reprocessed into new LDPE products. There is no wastage in conversion, which makes LDPE bulk bags ideal for plastic bag recycling efforts.
Recycling facilities generally accept used LDPE FIBCs, as long as they’re clean, where the material can be shredded and pelletised. However, mixed materials such as labels and stitching must be removed first.
Reusable And Informal Sector Benefits
Many LDPE bulk bags are reused on-site several times before being discarded. This reduces the need for new packaging. Some fill stations routinely return cleaned bags to suppliers or send them to third-party refurbishers.
However, even when discarded, bulk bags often find a second life with informal waste pickers. These individuals sort through refuse and remove recyclable materials to send to recycling depots.
Research estimates that between 60 000 and 90 000 informal waste pickers are working across South Africa. These informal workers are responsible for about 80% to 90% of all plastic and packaging recyclable collection in the country, and they depend almost entirely on reusable LDPE FIBCs to get the job done.
Their efforts save municipalities upwards of R750-million a year in landfill costs, which benefits the whole economy.
Contact Tufbag today to learn how our LDPE bulk bags can enhance plastic bag recycling and support efficient waste management in your operations.