Sustainable Plastics Recovery and Recycling at Record High

The plastics and chemicals industry has welcomed an independent national survey released today showing record high recovery and recycling rates for plastics in Australia.

The report entitled the ‘2009 National Plastics Recycling Survey’ reveals that during 2008, Australian consumers and industry recycled a record 282,032 tonnes of plastic; a rate of 18.5% and up from 15.3% in the previous year. The figure includes 36.2% of all plastic packaging which is also a record high and now above the target band set under the National Packaging Covenant.

Margaret Donnan, Chief Executive of the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) said:

“These record rates demonstrate a strong commitment and action by industry, government and the public to sustainable plastics recovery and recycling.

“They show that plastic products are of enormous value to society and at the end of a products life they continue to contribute significant value as new materials. Plastics are simply too valuable to waste.

“What we are seeing now is a broadening of the focus on traditional kerbside recycling and the adoption of a full lifecycle value approach that is good for environment, consumers and the economy”.

The 2009 National Plastics Recycling Survey was undertaken by independent research group Hyder Consulting. It was commissioned by the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) as a collaborative effort with funding support from Sustainability Victoria, the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Resource Management, Western Australia’s Department of Environment and Conservation, Zero Waste South Australia and the National Packaging Covenant.

Margaret Donnan said:

“The report continues to provide the authoritative dataset for Australian plastics consumption, recovery and recycling and is used by organisations to help drive further improvements.

“The 2009 results demonstrate the ongoing value of industry, government and the community working collaboratively to achieve significant environmental, community and economic benefits.

“We remain committed to keeping plastics out of landfills and put back to good use”

Media enquiries:

John Osborn, Director Marketing & Communications, (03) 9426 3809 / (0417) 997 774

Background:

The Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) commissioned independent consultants, Hyder Consulting, to carry out the annual PACIA National Plastics Recycling Survey for 2009.

The survey received funding support from:

• Sustainability Victoria
• Department of Environment and Climate Change (New South Wales)
• Department of the Environment and Resource Management (Queensland)
• Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia)
• Zero Waste South Australia
• National Packaging Covenant

The survey, the tenth in the current series and the principal source of recycling data for the plastics sector, gathered data for the 2008 calendar year on the consumption, recovery, reprocessing and applications for used plastics in Australia.

Key statistics and facts:

The Australian plastics industry converted 1,525,185 tonnes of polymers in 2008, into a broad range of products to meet consumer demands for a safe, modern lifestyle. Most of this was made into long term, durable products.

• 60% of this demand was for medium to long term, durable products such as high security banknotes, light weight automotive components, high-efficiency insulation for cool rooms, energy efficient durable guttering and water tanks, lightweight and durable underground pipe and cable which will be in service for over 50 years.
• 40% was required for shorter term products such as crop films for improved food production, packaging to extend shelf life and secure our food supply and vital blood bags and other medical devices.
• A record 282,032 tonnes of plastic was recycled during 2008. This created the highest plastic recycling rate of 18.5% on record and up from 15.3% in the previous year.
• The quantity of plastic packaging recycled was 204,036 tonnes and included an increase in plastic packaging films recycled in Australia.
• This created the highest ever plastic packaging recycling rate of 36.2%, up from 32.7% in the previous year.
• The bulk (58%) of recovered material was manufactured in Australia into over 100 new types of products.
• A total of 75 polymer reprocessing companies operate in 91 sites across the country.
  

• 2009 National Plastics Recycling Survey (PDF 1.0MB)