Spain is Europe’s fourth largest producer of plastic packaging. In 2018, the last year for which reliable data is available, the recycling rate reached almost 80%, equivalent to almost 1.5 million tonnes of material. This is a very important figure and shows that the population is really using this type of material in their daily lives and has become fully aware of the importance of separating waste. At Plásticos Alser we want to analyse whether this is a true reality or simply a question of marketing.
The rise of recycled plastics in everyday life
Clearly, if the national rate of recycled plastic packaging is around 80%, people are using this material. In fact, they often do so unknowingly. Companies specialising in the production of such packaging have largely stopped using this petroleum derivative when it comes directly from the raw material. Quality work such as that of Plásticos Alser is essential in this respect.
But the use of recycled plastics is not only evident in terms of packaging. For example, now that we are immersed in summer, it is possible to find it in many common utensils of this time of the year. We are talking, for example, about beach chairs, camping tables or even the buckets and shovels that children use to play with sand. They are often made from plastics in their last stage of life.
There is a lot of marketing behind the recycling of plastics… but also very positive aspects.
It is no surprise to anyone that the public has become aware in recent years of the problem of plastic use and the need for recycling policies based on innovative processes. This has led many companies and brands to take advantage of the use of this recycled material to implement their marketing strategies.
The use of recycled plastics for product packaging is an added value for customers. However, it is not the only thing they notice. More and more of them are switching back to cloth bags or bags made from potato starch, for example. They also show a preference for buying in bulk.
Therefore, if you look at the tastes of the general public, it is impossible to say that recycling is just a fad or the result of certain advertising and marketing campaigns. It is a trend that is on the rise and will lead to an ever decreasing use of plastics in everyday life. This is particularly true for single-use plastics.
In short, society recycles and uses recycled plastics in everyday life. This, together with awareness-raising to reduce the consumption of this petroleum derivative, is excellent news for the environment.
