The U.S. Plastics Pact calls for phasing out 11 products and materials that cannot be "reused, recycled or composted", eliminating oxidative degradation
Recently, the US Plastics Pact released a "List of Problematic and Unnecessary Materials", which lists 11 materials that are currently "unable to be reused, recycled or composted on a large scale" in the Nor can it be possible to keep closed loops in practice on a large scale", packaging-related products and materials.
The list includes the following items (in alphabetical order):
Intentionally added¹ Perfluorinated and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)²
Undetectable pigments such as carbon black.
Opaque or tinted PET bottles (except clear blue or green)
Oxidative degradation additives, including oxidative biodegradable additives.
PETG - PET in rigid packaging.
Problematic label construction, including adhesives, inks, materials (PETG, PVC, paper, etc.). Avoid formats/materials/functions that make packaging hazardous or non-recyclable according to APR (Association for Plastics Recycling) design guidelines. Labels should conform to APR's preferred coverage and compatibility guidelines and be tested wherever ambiguity is found.
PS - Polystyrene, including EPS (expanded polystyrene).
PVC - Polyvinyl chloride, including PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride).
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Notice:
* Cutlery, straws and blenders are considered problematic if they are considered non-reusable, non-recyclable or non-compostable and used as accessories to the main container. For example, a pack of plastic cutlery served with a prepared salad or a straw/stirr provided with a drink on-the-go would be defined as problematic, while cutlery, straws or blenders sold as a product would not.
¹ "Intentionally added" to the packaging or during the manufacture of that packaging.
² "PFAS" or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are defined as a class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one perfluorinated carbon atom in an amount of 100 parts per million based on total organic fluorine or above.
This list applies only to plastic packaging. Excludes medical plastics used in clinical, hospital and related laboratory and research environments.
