Multilayer Plastics Packaging Recycling (A Myth or Reality?), 1990 Polymers, Laminations & Coatings Conference Proceedings

The re-emergence of environmental issues as “the hot topic” of the late 1980s and into the 1990s, proves that the awareness movement of the sixties and early seventies never drifted very far from mainstream America. Conservation of our resources is a worthy objective; however, we must be cautious in the methods we use to reach our goals to ensure that we place our conservation efforts where they are most needed.

Society has suddenly realized we face a Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) crisis, because we are running out of places to bury our garbage. In 1990, each of us will generate approximately 3.8 pounds of solid waste per day. By the year 2000, this is expected to grow to 4.0 pounds/person/day. Presently, eighty percent of this waste ends up in a landfill.

Some special interest groups have decided that the growing use of plastics in packaging is responsible for this crisis. Their intentions may be noble, but their facts in this case are not accurate. Unfortunately, misinformation ultimately causes more harm than good.

EVAL Company of America is dedicated to helping our society find environmentally responsible solutions to the problem. We support responsible, safe and effective management of Municipal Solid Waste. EVALCA feels that the answer lies in an integrated approach encompassing Source Reduction, Recycling, Incineration and Landfill. We do not condone regressive measures such as outright bans on specific products and containers.