How is Biodegradable Stretch Film Recyclable?

As awareness of environmental issues is pushed more and more into the spotlight in the design of modern packaging, companies are making the switch to sustainable materials a main priority. The introduction of biodegradable stretch film in the packaging industry is one of the signs of the change that seems to be promising especially with the fact that it will help to cut down on plastic waste and foster the growth of green technologies in the packaging industry. So should I give back my biodegradable stretch film for recycling? That is, I mean, can the above-discussed biodegradable stretch film be recycled?

This write-up elaborates on the recyclability of biodegradable stretch film, what it is in comparison to standard stretch wrap, and the steps involved in its recycling process.

 

What Is Biodegradable Stretch Film?

Biodegradable shrink wrap is a variant of packaging film that will decompose naturally under certain environmental conditions. Just like regular wrap film, it is used for unitizing pallets, wrapping products together and securing goods during transport. The only significant difference between them is that the former can get broken down into totally different substances such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass over the course of time. The vast majority of biodegradable stretch films are made of the combinations of these substances:

• PLA (Polylactic Acid) – a bioplastic originating from renewable plant resources like corn starch and sugarcane.
• PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) – a flexible biodegradable copolyester.
• Starch-based plastics – a family of bioplastics obtained from a range of renewable sources like potato or corn starch.
• Oxidative biodegradable plastics – traditional polymers in which a special combination of additives allows organic items to be formed and this in turn to be subjected to overheating and UV radiation for breaking into smaller pieces.

Such film materials not only provide the desired properties of stretchability and toughness during the industrial process but also give a hope for a less polluted environment.

 

Biodegradability vs. Recyclability: Understanding the Difference

Regarding biodegradable stretch film recyclability, the difference between these two terms needs to be well understood: 

• Biodegradable materials are intended to be broken down into the natural form, usually by the influence of microorganisms, heat, and water exposure.
• Recyclable materials are reprocessed and transformed into new products. The process does not destroy the original materials.

It is clear to see that these two characteristics may be mutually exclusive. In fact, certain biodegradable plastics cannot be recycled via the existing recycling methods due to the possibility of their contaminating the process or being different from conventional plastics.

 

Is Biodegradable Stretch Film Recyclable?

Well, the material used and the recycling infrastructure available are the determinants here, so there is no one definite answer.

1. PLA-Based Biodegradable Stretch Film

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is theoretically recyclable, yet only in particular places created for dealing with bioplastics. PLA cannot be recycled together with such polymers as PET shrink film (the material used in water bottles) or LDPE (the material used in standard stretch film), since if they are mixed, it will lead to the contamination of the whole recycling batch with PLA.

PLA-based films are:

• Industrial compostable under specific conditions (high heat, moisture, microbial activity).
• Not suitable for curbside recycling in most cities.

 

2. Starch-Based Films

They are normally not able to be recycled, however can be composted under industrial conditions. Such materials are biodegradable and can decompose fast when in the presence of compost. But, in the case these are thrown into recycling bins, it may make other recyclable plastics become worthless.

 

3. Oxo-Biodegradable Stretch Film

This sort features some additional parts that induce decomposition once they are heated or come into contact with UV light. It is still PE based, that is it is technically a recyclable material but the inclusion of degradation additives give rise to some concerns.

A majority of the recycling facilities prefer not to have oxo-biodegradable plastics since they are scared that it weakens the strength of the recycled products.

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The Process of Recycling Biodegradable Stretch Film

Recycling compostable stretch film is more complicated than recycling common plastic. Following are the steps on how the process occurs:

Step 1: Collection and Sorting

• The stretch film is collected from industrial or retail users.
• It is then sorted based on its material type—PLA, PBAT, starch-based, etc.
• Since many recycling centers don’t accept biodegradable plastics, sorting must be done manually or with advanced equipment.

Step 2: Cleaning

• The film must be cleaned and dried to remove contaminants such as labels, adhesives, and food residues.
• Contaminants can interfere with recycling or composting processes.

Step 3: Shredding

• The cleaned films are shredded into flakes for easier handling in the recycling or composting system.

Step 4: Material-Specific Treatment

Depending on the type of biodegradable film, different processing routes are followed:

a) For Recyclable Bioplastics (like PLA)

• The shredded PLA is melted and re-extruded into pellets, which can be used to create new PLA products.
• This requires dedicated bioplastic recycling lines not present in all regions.
  

b) For Compostable Films

• Films made from starch or PLA are sent to industrial composting facilities.
• Conditions like 50-60°C temperature, high humidity, and microbial activity are required.
• These materials break down completely in 90 to 180 days in optimal environments.
  

c) For Oxo-Biodegradable Films

• These are rarely accepted for recycling.
• If they haven’t degraded, they might go through traditional recycling, but this is not encouraged.
• If already degraded, they are considered waste and may end up in landfills or incinerators.

Challenges in Recycling Biodegradable Stretch Film

1. Insufficient Infrastructure

The lack of composting and recycling facilities in many areas results in biodegradable plastics being largely unprocessed and sent to the landfills.

2. Pollution Matter

Putting biodegradable films together with the normal plastics in recycling streams causes contamination of the Recyclable PET shrink film sleeve label hence reducing the quality of the recycled plastics.

3. The Lack of Information

A majority of customers are not able to make out the differences amid biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable packaging. Wrong disposal practices then diminish the effectiveness of the recycling systems.

4. Financial Feasibility

Most of the time, recyclable plastics are the less costly option. The recycling of biodegradable plastics often comes with higher costs. In the absence of an economic incentive or government regulations, the former is the option that recyclers choose most of the time.

 

The Best Disposal Method for Biodegradable Stretch Film

Disposing of biodegradable stretch film in the trash may be the safest way after considering environmental impact.

• Compostable Films: Best disposed of in industrial composting settings.
• PLA-Based Films: Should go to bioplastic recycling facilities.
• Oxo-Biodegradable Films: Disposal is complex; they may degrade in the environment but are not suitable for recycling or composting.

If you are using biodegradable stretch films, it is crucial to collaborate with the local garbage management services to figure out the proper disposal or recycling method.