If something plastic has a little triangle with chasing arrows and a number inside, that means it’s recyclable, right?
Turns out, not necessarily. Those symbols are technically called Resin Identification Codes (RIC) and are not an indicator of recyclability-instead, they are used to sort materials from single-stream sources. Since RICs look like the original recycling symbol, many consumers assume the plastic item they put in their blue bins is being collected and used to make new stuff. The grim reality is recyclability varies, and some of the waste we could recycle into new materials won’t because it isn’t profitable.
Now, there’s a new bill making its way through the California State Senate about removing those deeply misleading arrows.
California state senator Ben Allen wants to take the confusion out of recycling and ensure that California consumers aren’t simply wishcycling. According to a study by the Consumer Brands Association, 26% of Americans found recycling to be more confusing than putting together IKEA furniture, and 23% considering doing their taxes a much easier proposition. Allen’s bill, SB-343, would limit the ability to represent items as recyclable, calling specific attention to the “chasing arrow” symbols on products. For a product or item to claim recyclability, it must be commonly accepted and recycled within the entire state, meaning even some of the products that get made from recyclable material but still can’t get processed by a Material Recovery Facility (MRFs).
The bill has fared better than more ambitious bills aimed at substantially scaling back plastic use in the Bear Republic. There are concerns, however, mostly raised by the plastics industry, that the law would result in increased costs to small businesses and more plastic going to landfills, as it is likely that only number 1 and 2 plastics would be allowed to retain a chasing arrow symbol.
A final vote on SR-343 should come when the California senate returns from summer recess on August 16th.
RISE UP, REIMAGINE, REDESIGN, REBUILD.
Since its inception 11 years ago, Dieline Conference has advanced the package design industry in all its forms by highlighting the importance and value of brand packaging. Now, more than ever, it’s vital for the industry to steer towards a more sustainable future, so Dieline Conference 2021 will place heavy emphasis on eco-friendly design solutions, utilizing creativity as a tool for change, and inspiration for a more hopeful tomorrow. This year’s curated program includes insightful discussions from the designers, brands, and projects currently changing the world for the better.
Through panel discussions, presentations, and Q&A sessions, you’ll explore firsthand what the world’s most innovative brands and design agencies are doing in sustainable design—and how that can improve business, the environment, and consumer goodwill.
