How to Recycle Thin Plastics with Flexible Packaging Recycling

Did you know that flexible packaging accounts for 39% of the world’s packaging? While convenient, most types of flexible packaging can not be curbside recycled. If you are like me and are trying to reduce your environmental footprint, you may be wondering what you can do with this type of packaging.

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After all, it’s everywhere. It’s used to package bread, pet treats, sliced cheese and everything in between. 

The good news is that, with the help of PerfectPackaging.org, you can find recycling centers near you that handle flexible packaging.

Let’s take a closer look at Perfect Packaging, flexible packaging and how you can start recycling today.

Who is Perfect Packaging?

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PerfectPackaging.org was created by The Flexible Packaging Association, or FPA. The organization is comprised mostly of companies involved in the manufacturing and sale of flexible packaging. The FPA also has some academic members that provide education on packaging science.

The aim of Perfect Packaging is to help educate consumers on what flexible packaging is, its benefits and – most importantly – where you can recycle it. 

In many cases, flexible packaging can’t be recycled at your local recycling center. To understand why, you need to know what flexible packaging is.

What is Flexible Packaging?

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Flexible packaging is, essentially, a type of packaging that can change shape during use or when it’s filled. This type of packaging is usually made from: aluminum foil, paper, plastic, film and a combination of these materials.

Things like pouches, bags, wraps and liners are all types of flexible packaging. Examples include bags of potato chips, bags of frozen fruit or those squeezable juice pouches your kids love.

Flexible Packaging changes the face of recycling. A few clicks of a button, a second typing out your zip code, and you’ll know where you can drop off flexible packaging in your local community.

In fact, for over 20 years, drop-off programs have been the main way to recycle this type of packaging. Who knew?

Recycling Made Easy – and Super Convenient

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I try to be as cautious as possible when purchasing items, but a lot of brands simply do not offer eco-friendly packaging. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to recycle in the United States as it should be.

Curbside recycling is complicated and confusing.

“You can recycle this plastic, but not that plastic.” or “This glass bottle is recyclable, but that one is not.”

My family and I love looking at labels and are conscious shoppers. Yet, there are some things that I can’t recycle. 

Until now! Flexible Packaging has a drop-off directory (click here to access it) and we just type in our zip code, and boom. I can recycle bread wrappers, shipping material and even plastic food packaging at my local Target.

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Even my kids love recycling. I’m usually bombarded with, “Mom, it’s time to go to Target and bring our recyclables!” Since I am running errands anyway and always seem to need something at Target, it’s a win-win for the environment and me. Flexible Packaging makes it quick and easy for people of all ages to put the environment first.

Want more sustainable tips?
Here are 5 unique ways to reduce unnecessary waste!

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Hi there! It’s me. The one who will gladly take your unwanted items and leftover scraps and upcycle them into something new!

Waste Less. Create More.

This is my eco-friendly take of reuse and repurpose. Here, you will see many Upcycled DIYs and crafts with scrap wood, scrap vinyl, and even, second-hand furniture from Facebook Marketplace!

Everyone can live sustainably and practice being more eco-friendly in various ways. Let me show you how through my Upcycled DIYs, sustainable tips and eco-friendly swaps (eco swaps).

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated. My blog may earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting the brands and products that I truly love who are making the world a better place!

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