Plastic Technology is creating a sea-change in views on waste plastics. We see waste plastics as a resource - to be reformed and reused in innovative, long-lasting products. The proposition often applied is that organics, metals, ceramics, mineral materials, paper and cardboard should be removed from landfill leaving plastics as the main ingredient - which seems immoral in light of our sustainable technology.

Surveys indicate very strong community support for recycling - yet growth in production of virgin plastic outpaces growth in recycling by 10 to 1. This is because traditional recycling is complex - so it has been cheaper to dump than to recycle. Until the mid-1990s, the volume of garbage in the Western world was increasing by about 2.5% each year, but in the USA in 1998 for example, just 2% of more than 19.3 million tons of post-consumer plastics material was recycled.

An increasing number of Australian municipalities are banning plastics from landfill. Some dump their plastics half a world away. Many regions struggle to keep up with landfill demands. Yet taking plastic from landfill could increase the life of a dump by 20%.

Plastic Technology is committed to increasing levels of plastics recycling; currently we recycle and remanufacture more than 12,000kg’s per day.  At the same time we understand that a pragmatic approach to recycling is important. We aim to use available resources as efficiently as possible.

The environmental impacts and benefits of recycling plastic products vary significantly depending on the type of product and its condition at end of life.  Relatively large, clear supplies of plastic products (e.g. crates, bottles, and commercial packaging film) can be recycled with a positive environmental gain.  The economic benefits of recycling are clear; compliance with the National Packaging Covenant is becoming more regulated; public image preservation is vital. By ensuring consumer and political demands are met, organisations involved in the plastics waste stream are less likely to come under attack for poor environmental performance, or as polluters. Political backlash to consumer and pressure group complaints will be minimised, with a greater level of dialogue and discussion taking place between sector and political representatives.

We live in an increasingly throwaway society. By using more recycled products the recycling loop is closed through the creation of demand for materials recovered through collection initiatives. Plastic Technology has an enviable reputation as a leader in the field of Low Density Polyethylene recycling. We collect low density polyethylene material, typically shrink and stretch films, packaging and used film, medium and high density polyethylene are also accepted. We are the largest LDPE recycler in Victoria, with the ability to recycle more than 4,500 tonnes per year through our Reservoir and Campbellfield sites. Resulting from and increased need for sustainability within our economy the environmental benefits of recycling plastic are becoming more widely recognised, such as self regulated initiatives such as the National Packaging Covenant. Recycling plastics keeps reusable material in the economy, diverts waste from landfill and conserves resources.

Plastic Technologies recycling and remanufacturing efforts reduce the consumption of resources and emissions to the environment. Plastics recycling conserves energy and non-renewable resources as recycling replaces the need for primary extraction and manufacture of new plastics. Plastics recycling also significantly reduces the reliance on traditional, less environmentally beneficial, landfill waste disposal.

Businesses are under increasing pressure to demonstrate transparency of their activities through the production of Corporate Social Responsibility Reports. Recycling programmes incorporated into business practice can be included in such reporting methods and used to demonstrate the organisation's environmental activities to meet both legislative, customer and community demands.

Through the inclusion of recycling efforts developed in partnership with Plastic Technology in such Triple Bottom Line reports and by making them publicly available, socially and environmentally responsible companies are able to help the general public and pressure groups to be better informed of their environmental commitment and activity.

Genuine efforts to minimise environmental impact and maximise environmental benefit through the introduction of efficient plastics recycling programmes both protects and enhances the public image so vital to maintaining competitive advantage.

Businesses within the packaging supply chain are coming under increasing pressure from legislation, eco-taxes and material use restrictions. Examples of eco-taxes that have the potential to cause damage to the plastics industry are present throughout the world - Germany's deposit scheme on single trip beverage containers; Ireland's levy on disposable plastic carrier bags, currently being considered in Australia and other countries around the world; Taiwan's outright ban on plastic carrier bags, disposable plastic tableware and plastic cups.

Although changes in legislation and policy may appear bewildering, there is an underlying certainty; Businesses that understand and act on the fundamental principle of sustainable development will gain competitive advantage; Businesses and sectors that fail to recognise the implications of these issues will lose out.

Industry can work to minimise this environmentally damaging issue by becoming actively involved in the development of plastics recycling infrastructure and product recyclability. Waste management legislation is complex and ensuring compliance with the relevant aspects can be difficult, time consuming and costly. Plastic Technology provides you with expertise to develop and implement effective business strategies to key environmental challenges. Our specialist knowledge and experience in the area of LDPE collection could help your company make dramatic reductions in time and money you devote to compliance.

Plastic Technology is a full service industrial/commercial recycler and remanufacturer. Working together with our customers in a "recycling partnership" our goal is to maximise the efficiency of your recycling program, while minimising the wasteful and expensive landfill of recyclable material. Plastic Technology remanufactures moisture barrier protection for building industry. It is used by major contractors because of its quality, strength and resistance to puncturing. Other uses include; curing blankets for concrete, protection covers for renovations and general water proofing. This is one of the recognised environmentally sustainable uses for plastic, as it is practical and final.

Plastic Technology is committed to the development of recycling programs with our customers based upon cooperation, trust and a common environmental purpose. We have dependable and efficient recycling activities which maximise the materials recycled, minimise unnecessary waste and improve the environment of the community in which we work and the global economy of which we are a member. We strive to deliver value to our customers, this means delivering innovation, customer service excellence, environmentally responsible, and cost effective, high quality products.

When we hear the term "green living," many of us think of the outdoors - trees, mountains and lawns. In fact, green living can start indoors by choosing recycled plastic products, finding new and creative uses for old items, and cutting back our use of natural resources. Green living is best defined as protecting the environment by conserving and effectively using resources. Live "greener," and leave less of an impact on the Earth. "Be part of a process that is saving the planet."