Labeling plastics’ power: How proper classification empowers eco-conscious Consumers

Proper labeling of plastic products plays a crucial role in empowering consumers to make informed and environmentally responsible decisions. Plastics are categorized into seven distinct types: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Vinyl/Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), and a catch-all category, OTHER, which includes various other plastics (Özkan, 2015). These classifications, often displayed as numbered symbols on product packaging, provide consumers with essential information about the type of plastic they are dealing with, as well as its recyclability. Without clear labeling, consumers are often left in the dark, leading to improper disposal or recycling practices, which can exacerbate environmental pollution and waste management challenges.

When plastics are accurately labeled, consumers are more likely to dispose of them correctly, aiding recycling efforts and reducing the amount of non-recyclable materials entering the recycling stream. For instance, PET and HDPE are widely accepted by most recycling facilities, while other plastics, such as PVC and PS, may not be as easily recyclable. Clear distinctions on labels make it simpler for people to separate recyclable materials from non-recyclable ones, minimizing contamination in recycling facilities. Additionally, consumers are increasingly seeking to align their purchases with environmentally friendly practices, and proper labeling allows them to make more sustainable choices, favoring products that use recyclable or less harmful materials.

Labeling also contributes to raising awareness about the various types of plastic in everyday products, encouraging consumers to rethink their use of plastics in the first place. As consumers become more knowledgeable about the environmental impact of different types of plastics, they can drive demand for products that utilize more sustainable materials. This, in turn, puts pressure on manufacturers to innovate and adopt greener alternatives. Proper labeling, therefore, is not just a tool for disposal but is kind of a stepping stone toward more responsible consumption, a critical factor in addressing the global plastic waste crisis.

Resources used in this blog article:

Özkan K., Semih E., Şahin I., İdil I. (2015). A new classification scheme of plastic wastes based upon recycling labels. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956053X14004528

Learn more about the impact of labeling plastics by visiting the RESCUE platform: https://rescue.erasmus.site/courses/module-5-labelling-of-plastic-materials/