Is packaging labeled “recyclable” automatically made of recycled content? Not quite. There’s a big difference between packaging that can be recycled and packaging that already contains recycled materials. In this Expert Insight, Els Cools, Sustainability Commercial Manager, explains what these terms really mean, shares Ontex’s progress toward ambitious sustainability goals, and shows how we’re driving innovation to make packaging truly circular.

Myth or truth? If plastic is labeled ‘recyclable,’ it contains recycled content.

Answer: Myth!

There’s a clear difference between recyclable packaging and packaging with recycled content:

  • Recyclable packaging: After use, it can be processed and reused as a resource for new products or packaging.
  • Packaging with recycled content: Contains a portion of recycled materials.

“The ideal circular solution is packaging that is both recyclable and contains the maximum level of recycled content,” says Els Cools.

Key terms:

  • Recyclable: Materials or products that can be collected, processed, and transformed into new products or packaging instead of going to landfill.
  • Recycled content: The percentage of recovered material in a product or packaging, including pre-consumer and post-consumer materials.
  • Recycling: Any recovery operation where waste materials are reprocessed into products, materials, or substances for the original or other purposes.

 

Sustainable packaging development is a key part of our Sustainability Strategy 2030. Our goals:

  • 75% of primary plastic packaging to contain recycled or renewable content by 2030 – Status 2024: 29% (vs 2020 baseline)
  • 100% of packaging designed to be recyclable by end 2025 – Status 2024: 98% (vs 2020 baseline)
  • All cardboard packaging to have 100% recycled content by 2030 – Status 2024: 92% (vs 2020 baseline)

“We’re committed to making sustainable packaging the new standard—combining innovation, responsibility, product safety and transparency. Some examples from our portfolio include cPCR (chemical post-consumer recycled) bags and pouches (mass balance approach) and mPCR (mechanical post-consumer recycled) bags.” concludes Els Cools.

At Ontex, we believe that transparency and innovation are key to driving real progress in sustainable packaging. By challenging myths, investing in new materials, and setting ambitious goals, we’re working to make a positive impact—one package at a time. Together with our partners and customers, we’re building a future where sustainability is the norm, not the exception.

Here for you. Here for the better.