Proactively Addressing Package Designs That Have Incompatible Materials for Recycling

Packaging that combines incompatible materials—such as plastic with metal or mixed laminates—can make recycling difficult or impossible. Addressing these design issues early helps reduce waste, improve recyclability, and support sustainability goals. This resource provides practical steps for identifying problematic packaging designs and working with suppliers to create more recyclable solutions.

What you’ll learn in this resource:

• Why mixed-material packaging limits recycling options
• Common examples of incompatible packaging designs
• How to collaborate with suppliers to redesign for recyclability
• Strategies for integrating recyclability requirements into packaging specifications

Download the guide now and start improving packaging sustainability through smarter design choices.

FAQs

Why are mixed materials a problem for recycling?
Different materials often require separate recycling processes, making mixed-material packaging difficult or costly to recycle.

How can I identify incompatible packaging designs?
Look for packaging that combines materials like plastic and metal or uses multi-layer laminates that cannot be easily separated.

What’s the best way to fix these issues?
Work with suppliers to simplify packaging designs, use mono-material solutions, and include recyclability requirements in sourcing documents.