How to Recycle Plant-Based Plastics and Packaging Materials

Oct 3

Conventional plastic takes 20 to 500 years to break down. Once it does, it can turn into microplastics that seep into the ground and wash into waterways. It's not an understatement to say they stay on the planet forever.

The slow switch to plant-based plastic is a game-changer for industries like hotels and tourism. It's not the silver bullet for the immortal plastic problem, but at least using it is more environmentally friendly than the traditional material.

Some are also made of renewable sources like algae and sugarcane. This change in its composition can make plastic disappear from the planet without leaving any trace if it’s processed correctly.

Tips for a Successful Bioplastic Recycling

Besides reducing consumption, recycling remains one of the top strategies for reducing plastic on the planet. The hospitality and tourism sectors can help solve the plastic problem by enhancing their recycling processes and systems. Here are some actionable strategies for doing so.

1. Empower Staff Through Training

Any good initiative starts with training the people involved in your business so they can lead by example. Inform new hires of your sustainability projects and encourage them to participate as environmental stewards.

Conduct training sessions that discuss why recycling is important for the business, how to segregate waste materials correctly and the different recycling methods. Doing so will make staff feel they're essential to your goals, increasing their motivation to contribute. The right training breeds involvement, so ensure you equip your employees sufficiently.

2. Give Guests a Chance to Get Involved

Polystyrene is a type of plastic that threatens marine life. It accounts for 10% to 40% of plastic litter in waterways. Your guests probably don't know this staggering fact, so it's essential to educate them. Here are some strategies for getting them involved in your eco-friendly initiative.

Share Links to Your Sustainability Goals

Along with the email confirmation of their booking, include some links where they can learn more about why you’ve switched to plant-based plastic. Keeping them informed can pique the interest of eco-travelers.

Leave Physical Copies in the Rooms

Do you know those aircraft safety cards in the backs of the seats? Some people take the time to read them. You can do the same in your hotel. Print your sustainability goals and leave copies in every room.

Provide Tips to Differentiate Bioplastics From Petroleum-based

Many bioplastic products look the same as their nonbiodegradable counterparts. Therefore, guests and staff may find it tricky to differentiate which trash goes to the biodegradables and which goes to the other bin.

This is where understanding the labels comes in, which is crucial in driving positive progress in your recycling goals. Educate guests about plastic products with sustainable labels or certifications. These often have a seedling logo, recycle arrow and other symbols visible in the packaging.

3. Designate a Recycling Station for Bioplastics

A successful recycling project starts with appropriate segregation. Both guests and staff must know where the recycling station is and the color codes for different types of garbage. The average American produces over four pounds of trash daily, which could increase when traveling. Providing color-coded containers helps you manage the garbage in your hotels.

Black bins are for general waste like hygiene products and paper towels. Green bins are for anything recyclable, and brown containers are for food waste. You can implement further segregation by separating dry from wet trash.

4. Partner With Local Recycling Facilities

Collaboration is essential for the success of bioplastic recycling. Partnerships can promote a circular economy by turning waste into usable products efficiently.

The standard methods for recycling bioplastics are:

Mechanical recycling: Bioplastics are ground up, melted and shredded to be reused for another material.
Chemical recycling: This process transforms bioplastics into their original form or monomer, which then bonds with other materials to form new products.

Look for a local hauler that specializes in processing plant-based plastic. Ensure they have robust recycling practices and can handle high volumes of waste.

5. Invest in Composting Facilities

If you can't find a recycling partner, an alternative is to invest in composting infrastructure for plastic and packaging materials. It requires an initial investment but will help your business stay self-sufficient. You can promote a circular economy on site and subsequently boost your hotel's name.

The composting process of plant-based plastic is unlike the traditional method. You need an industrial composter to create all the conditions required to break down biodegradable plastic. It generates higher temperatures to break down the feeds.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a renewable material used in plastic packaging. It’s derived from plant sugars. If managed appropriately in composting plants, it will generate natural byproducts like water, lactic acid and carbon dioxide. PLA's composting process isn't zero-emission, but it significantly minimizes the environmental impact in the form of organic waste byproducts that can be used in landscape hotels.

6. Replace Single Use Water Bottles

When you commit to reducing plastic use in your organization, water bottles are a particular area to focus on. Data shows a 200-room four-star hotel discards about 300,000 pieces of single-use plastic in a month, and 20,000 of these are water bottles.

Tourism businesses are switching to reusables as a substitute for plastic. Some hotels provide stainless steel jugs, containers made of plant-based plastic and water bottles with filters that can purify the tap. Those with built-in filters are a lifesaver because they catch bacteria, viruses and mold.

If switching to nonplastic is not plausible, partnering with water bottle companies is the next best option. Many suppliers can customize their products based on your preference. See if they can pack using plant-based water bottles. Some donate a portion of the proceeds to charities for every purchase. Find a brand that can meet your sustainable needs so you can both work toward the same goal.

Keep Using Plastic With Plant-Based Materials

Everyone can do something for the environment including businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries. Businesses that prioritize sustainability can reduce their waste by shifting to plant-based plastic and packaging. Additionally, they can invest in recycling or composting infrastructure on site, promoting a circular economy and sustainability.

Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy that works together with businesses to reduce their environmental impact. Interested in knowing more? Get in touch.