Plastic recycling is a complex process that faces numerous challenges, but it is essential for reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. Unlike glass and aluminum, plastics are not infinitely recyclable and their quality degrades with each subsequent processing. However, innovations like chemical recycling are being developed to keep more plastics in the recycling loop for longer.

The plastic recycling process involves several steps, including collection, sorting, washing, shredding, identification and separation of plastics and extruding and compounding. Each step is crucial in transforming post-consumer materials into usable products for manufacturers.

Despite the challenges, plastic recycling rates are growing and there is a growing number of alternatives to plastic items hitting the market. As individuals and businesses increasingly engage with the plastic recycling process, we are likely to see it continue to improve.

Points:

• Plastic recycling is a complex process with several challenges
• Plastics are not infinitely recyclable and their quality degrades with each subsequent processing
• Innovations like chemical recycling are being developed to keep more plastics in the recycling loop for longer
• The plastic recycling process involves several steps, including collection, sorting, washing, shredding, identification and separation of plastics and extruding and compounding
• Plastic recycling rates are growing and there is a growing number of alternatives to plastic items hitting the market
• As individuals and businesses increasingly engage with the plastic recycling process, we are likely to see it continue to improve