Resin Identification Code change could shape publics view – Viewpoint – USA

Posted on July 4, 2013 by DrRossH in Plastic Waste News

Resin Identification Code change could shape publics view – Viewpoint – Plastics News.

Changes are coming — at last — to the Resin Identification Code. While the changes may seem superficial, the reality is that if they’re successful, this has the potential to change the public’s perception of plastics packaging.

But the real hope here is that by removing the arrows, consumers will stop using the code, and recyclers will find new ways to educate the public on what can be recycled.

The plastics industry hasn’t changed the code in 20-plus years, so even a small change is going to make an impact — it will have a cost; it will take some effort.

And getting rid of the arrows means the industry, brand-owners, municipalities and recyclers are going to have to settle on a better way to educate the public about plastics recycling.

The risk we run by making a non recycling looking symbol is that consumers won’t perceive it as a recycling indicator and just start to bin all their waste.