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A Guide to Recycling
Understanding What's Actually Recyclable in Flexible Packaging
One of the questions I'm asked most often by customers is simple:
"Can this packaging be recycled?"
The challenge is that recycling isn't always as straightforward as it should be. While sustainability has become a key priority for manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike, confusion around recyclable materials remains one of the biggest barriers to progress.
As we head into Recycle Week (14-20 September 2026), it's a good opportunity to look at how flexible packaging has evolved and what businesses can do to support a more circular economy.
At National Flexible, we've seen significant innovation in recent years, particularly around the development of mono-material packaging structures designed to be recycled through existing collection streams. Materials such as BOPP (Polypropylene) and BOPE (Polyethylene) are increasingly being used to replace more complex laminates, helping brands improve recyclability without compromising performance.
We're also seeing growing adoption of recyclable structures such as:
✅ PP-based laminates for flow wraps, sachets and snack packaging
✅ PE-based laminates for pouches and flexible applications
✅ Paper-based solutions where suitable
✅ Recyclable thermoforming films for food applications
These innovations are allowing businesses to move away from difficult-to-recycle material combinations and towards packaging formats that fit more effectively within today's recycling infrastructure.
What's particularly encouraging is that recycling infrastructure across the UK continues to evolve. Alongside supermarket soft plastic collection points, industry and government initiatives are focused on increasing consistency in household recycling collections and improving public confidence in the recycling process.
However, recyclable packaging is only part of the solution.
The real opportunity comes when packaging design, consumer education and recycling systems work together. Even the most recyclable pack can only deliver environmental benefits if it is correctly disposed of and successfully collected.
That's why conversations with customers today are no longer focused solely on cost and functionality. Increasingly, we're discussing:
- Material selection
• Recyclability pathways
• Packaging reduction opportunities
• Future legislation and compliance
• Long-term sustainability strategies
Recycle Week reminds us that every improvement matters. Whether it's switching to a recyclable material, simplifying a packaging structure, or helping end users understand how to dispose of packaging correctly, small changes collectively create significant impact.
At National Flexible, we're proud to support businesses on that journey through sustainable packaging audits, technical training workshops and continuous innovation.
To learn about the FREE services we offer, please visit…
Sustainability Packaging Audits https://www.nationalflexible.co.uk/services/sustainability-packaging-audits
The Academy https://www.nationalflexible.co.uk/dave-s-diary/the-academy
Technical Training Workshops https://www.nationalflexible.co.uk/services/technical-training-workshops
What steps is your business taking to improve packaging recyclability and reduce waste?
📧 georgeb@nationalflexible.net
🖥️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-barker-45973662/
☎️ 01274 685566