The collection and sorting of plastic waste are crucial stages in ensuring a circular plastics economy. Missing information on plastic composition or misunderstanding of the product’s recyclability leads to a valuable resource being sent to landfill. As recently as a decade ago, plastic packaging did not typically identify its composition and/or recyclability. This lack of information meant that consumers did not properly dispose of plastic waste for recycling, and waste pickers did not know which plastic stream to place it into.
“Despite the growing practice and interest of people in separating, consumers still have doubts about which plastic containers can be recycled. With the Manito in everyday products, it is easier to do so.”
Verónica Ramos, Executive Director of Ecoplas
Recycling plastics – a valuable resource
That’s changing thanks to a recyclable plastics certification called Manito that aids identification, separation and recycling by using an easily identifiable logo printed onto packaging produced by companies in Argentina. The La Manito initiative has been developed by Ecoplas – a civil non-profit association that encourages the sustainable development of plastics for a circular economy.
The certification process is free for companies and involves independent laboratory testing of packaging plastic. Plastic packaging that meets the standard is awarded use of the logo, which clearly states the type and composition of plastic and its recyclability. Products certified as Manito are easily identifiable by the public and those in the waste stream process, leading to improved recycling rates.
Changing recycling behaviors
The Manito certification is gaining presence in the market, with more people recognizing it and changing how they handle plastic waste. The initiative has been recognized further by Argentina’s National Office of Acquisition as a priority for purchasing products whose packaging has been certified with Manito. And with over 30 companies already certified to Manito, good progress is being made in ensuring better recyclability of plastics. This, in turn, delivers environmental benefits through reduced use of natural resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and, importantly, less plastic pollution.
Meanwhile, in the sorting processes, waste pickers are now able to place Manito-certified products into the correct waste stream for plastics recycling.
