ADVANCED/CHEMICAL RECYCLING

A complement to mechanical recycling using technologies that convert used plastics into their original building blocks or useful materials, enabling them to be recycled repeatedly.

ASTM D6400

The North American standard for certifying the composability of plastic products and packaging is considered the “gold standard” for certifying truly compostable products.

BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

Can be broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and compost under the right conditions. True biodegradable plastics come from renewable sources, unlike conventional plastics labeled “biodegradable” that only fragment into smaller pieces.

BIOPLASTICS

Plastics made from renewable biomass sources such as vegetable oils, corn starch, food waste, and wood chips, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics.

BIOPLASTICS

Plastics made from renewable biomass sources such as vegetable oils, corn starch, food waste, and wood chips, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics.

CALIFORNIA SB54

The Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, which shifts responsibility for managing plastic waste from consumers to producers.

CARBON FOOTPRINT

The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily CO2, associated with the choices made by an individual, organization, product, or event.

CARBON NEUTRAL

A state where the amount of carbon dioxide emitted is balanced by the amount offset by other means, such as carbon offset projects.

CARBON NEGATIVE

When an organization or product removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits, creating a net benefit to the environment.

CARBON OFFSET

A mechanism allowing entities to compensate for their emissions by supporting projects that reduce, avoid, or remove emissions, such as forestry, renewable energy, and methane capture projects.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

An economic model that contrasts with the “take-make-waste” model by keeping materials in circulation at their highest value for as long as possible, reducing waste and emissions, and promoting sustainability.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY LEAKAGE

Unintended consequences that can undermine the circular economy, such as industries relocating to regions with laxer environmental regulations, offsetting the benefits of circular practices.

COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING

Made from biodegradable materials that fully decompose in composting environments, meeting certifications like EN 13432 to ensure environmental safety and effectiveness.

DOWNCYCLING

Recycling materials into products of lower quality or value, often due to contamination or degradation during the recycling process.

DOWNGAUGING/LIGHTWEIGHTING

Reducing the thickness or weight of packaging materials to minimize environmental impact while maintaining product protection.

ELLEN MACARTHUR FOUNDATION

An organization dedicated to accelerating the transition to a circular economy, focusing on eliminating waste, circulating materials, and regenerating nature.

EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR)

A policy approach that shifts the responsibility for the end-of-life management of products to the manufacturers or brand owners who produce them.

FDA LETTER OF NO OBJECTION (NOL)

A letter issued by the FDA confirming no objections to the use of recycled materials in food-contact applications after reviewing the recycling process.

FIT FOR USE

Products, services, or systems designed to minimize environmental impact and support long-term sustainability, optimizing both performance and ecological benefits.

FOOD WASTE

Edible food discarded or lost at any stage of the food supply chain, contributing to significant environmental and economic issues.

GREENHOUSE GASES

Gases like CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) that contribute to global warming, emitted from activities such as burning fossil fuels, agriculture, and waste management.

GREENPEACE

An environmental organization that campaigns against plastic pollution and advocates for more sustainable practices globally, including brand audits and corporate accountability.

GREENWASHING

The practice of making false or misleading environmental claims about products to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

HOW2RECYCLE (H2R)

A labeling system on product packaging that provides consumers with clear, standardized instructions on how to properly recycle different types of packaging.

LANDFILL

A facility designed to dispose of solid waste, such as household garbage, where waste is often contained but can contribute to environmental issues like methane emissions and soil contamination.

MASS BALANCE VERIFICATION OF RECYCLATE

A method for tracking and verifying the amount of recycled content in plastic products, ensuring transparency and accountability in recycling processes.

MECHANICAL RECYCLING

The process of recycling plastics without changing their chemical structure, involving sorting, shredding, washing, and extruding waste plastics into pellets for use in manufacturing new products.

NET ZERO

A state where the total greenhouse gas emissions produced are balanced by the amount of emissions removed from the atmosphere, typically through offset projects or carbon sequestration.

OXO-DEGRADABLE

Fossil fuel-based plastics mixed with additives to accelerate breakdown into smaller pieces. However, this process does not result in full biodegradation and only fragments plastics into microplastics.

POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED (PCR)

Plastic made from waste collected from consumers, rather than virgin plastic. The recycling process involves sorting, washing, shredding, and melting plastic waste into new products, with the FDA ensuring the safety of PCR materials used in food packaging.

POST-INDUSTRIAL RESIN (PIR)

Recycled plastic waste generated during manufacturing that is reprocessed and reused. PIR is typically cleaner and more consistent in composition compared to PCR, since the input waste is controlled and known.

RECYCLABLE

Plastics that can be processed again into raw materials or new products, with recyclability determined by factors like plastic type, contamination levels, and available recycling infrastructure. Commonly recycled plastics include PET, HDPE, and PP.

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING COALITION (SPC)

The mission of the SPC is to advance and strengthen the case for more sustainable packaging through education, collaboration, and by providing tools and resources.