Plastic packaging
Plastic is a versatile, lightweight and durable packaging material that effectively protects products throughout the distribution chain. Its good formability and protective properties make it particularly suitable for packaging food, hygiene and technical products. Thanks to its light weight, plastic packaging helps reduce the carbon footprint of transport and can contribute to reducing food waste.
Collection of plastic packaging from households and businesses
According to official statistics from the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre, the recycling rate of plastic packaging in Finland was around 31% in 2022, and the EU's target is to increase it to 55% by 2030.
Households collect plastic packaging from properties with more than five apartments and others deliver their packaging waste to regional collection points. See here for sorting instructions
Companies or public organisations must collect plastic packaging separately if they generate 5 kg or more of it per week. Examples of plastic packaging used by businesses include jerry cans, large bags and various types of film. In Finland, reusable plastic packaging is widely used, for example meat packing trays, bread boxes and bottle trays from the brewing industry.
Material labels for plastic packaging
Plastic products use material labels that indicate the type of plastic the product is made of. The most common labels are:
- PET (01): polyethylene terephthalate, used for soft drink bottles, food packaging, etc.
- PE-HD (02): High-density polyethylene, used in products such as milk bottles and detergent containers.
- PVC (03): Polyvinyl chloride , used less frequently in packaging.
- PE-LD (04): Low density polyethylene, used in plastic bags and films.
- PP (05): Polypropylene, used in yoghurt pots and margarine tubs.
- PS (06): Polystyrene, used in disposable cups and containers.
- O (07): Other plastics, such as polycarbonate and bio-based plastics.
What is recycled plastic used for?
Sorted plastic packaging is transported to recycling plants, where it is sorted by polymer type, washed, shredded and granulated into small plastic pellets (granules). These granules are used as raw material for new plastic products, such as plastic bags, pipes and packaging.
