Using plastic and the environmental issue
There is no perfect packaging option, only trade-offs that are clearly considered.
Plastic and composite films protect products well but are difficult to recycle, especially multi-layer films made from various materials, as most are not sorted and recovered in practice. A responsible approach is to prioritize a single type of plastic structure when functionality allows, consider using post-consumer recycled plastic or bio-based plastic, and avoid excessive wrapping. More importantly, it is essential to be honest with customers about recycling limits in the selling market, rather than just labeling it as environmentally friendly.
- barrier function allowing prioritization of mono-material for recycling
- sustainable positioning uses PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic or bio-based materials
- export to the EU market with strict packaging regulations
- Label as green while the actual multi-layer structure is not recyclable.
- removed all barriers to reduce plastic, causing the product to deteriorate quickly
When clients ask Sinh Vũ about environmentally friendly packaging, the real question is not "to use or not to use plastic" but "what trade-offs are you willing to accept and truly understand?" Plastic protects products, extends shelf life, and reduces food waste. However, most plastics, especially multi-layer films, are not practically recyclable. This is the core contradiction that needs to be addressed directly rather than concealed with green labels.
Why a multi-layered approach is a challenging issue
Multi-layer laminates made from various materials (e.g., PE combined with PET, nylon, EVOH, or aluminum layers) provide excellent barrier properties, protecting products from moisture, oxygen, and light. This is why they are popular. However, this very structure makes laminated films nearly impossible to recycle with existing mechanical infrastructure: different material layers cannot be separated, sorting machines cannot identify them, and most end up in landfills or incineration. The actual recovery rate of flexible films is low in most markets, although specific figures in Vietnam need to be verified directly with local collection agencies.
This means that the label "recyclable" or the arrow symbol on packaging does not automatically mean that the actual product is recyclable. You need to distinguish between two concepts: materially recyclable and actually recycled at the point of sale.
When to choose which direction
The role of recycled plastic and biobased plastic
Post-consumer recycled plastic, abbreviated as PCR, is plastic that has been recovered and reprocessed from used packaging. Using PCR reduces the demand for virgin plastic and utilizes existing materials. Bio-based plastic is produced from renewable raw materials such as sugarcane, corn, or bagasse, rather than petroleum.
Both approaches have the potential to reduce environmental impact, but they do not automatically solve the recycling issue. PCR must be the right type of plastic and certified for food contact to be used for food packaging. Bioplastics do not necessarily biodegrade better without appropriate processing infrastructure. You need to request clear technical documentation from suppliers, not just rely on names or general commitments.
Common mistakes when tackling green issues
- Labeling environmentally friendly while the actual structure is non-recyclable multilayer film, also known as greenwashing. This poses a serious brand risk, especially when exporting to tightly regulated markets like the EU.
- Removing all barriers to appear greener, causing products to spoil quickly and increasing food waste. Food waste often has a larger environmental impact than packaging waste.
- Thinking that all plastics are recycled at the point of sale because they have the recycling symbol, while the actual recovery infrastructure cannot handle them.
- Only change materials while forgetting to optimize size, reduce excess space, and minimize unnecessary layers of wrapping. Reducing excess wrapping is often the most effective and cost-efficient step.
Good packaging is not the one with the least plastic, but the one that uses the necessary amount to protect the product and has a structure that is honest with the actual recycling infrastructure where it ends its life cycle.
Practical experience of Sinh Vũ Studio
The viewpoint of Sinh Vũ
Sinh Vũ addresses environmental issues with clear trade-offs, not making vague green promises. In projects with sustainability factors, the team conducts material research including PCR recycled plastics, bio-based plastics, and paper-based solutions, prioritizing structures close to one type of plastic when functionality allows. The principle is to choose the right level of protection to avoid wasting products while not overwrapping.
More importantly, Sinh Vũ is honest with you about recycling limits in the sales market rather than just labeling it as eco-friendly. The expiration dates, recycling rates, and final material specifications are confirmed with suppliers. Sinh Vũ does not commit to those numbers.
Decision checklist
Topic: Using plastic and the environmental challenge. Sinh Vũ guide, sinhvu.com
Select each item you find appropriate, then print or save as PDF to take with you.
If you have marked most of the signs above, this is the time to discuss in more detail. Sinh Vũ can help you review and propose a direction.
References
CEFLEX D4ACE Design Principles; Recyclability and Redesign Challenges in Multilayer Flexible Food Packaging, PMC review; Flexible Packaging Hard to Recycle but Green, Packaging World; Sinh Vũ Studio's practical experience.
Frequently asked questions
Can multilayer films be recycled?
In theory, some multilayer film structures can be recycled under certain conditions. However, in practice, the recovery rate is very low because multilayer films made from various materials are difficult to process with existing mechanical infrastructure, and most do not pass the sorting stage. You need to check specifically with the collection unit in the selling market, not just rely on the manufacturer's specifications.
Does using recycled PCR plastic ensure food contact safety standards?
Not all post-consumer recycled plastics meet food contact requirements; this depends on the processing and certification from the supplier. You need to request technical documents and appropriate certifications before production. Sinh Vũ does not commit to material specifications but confirms them with the supplier for each project.