Plastic Packaging: Principles of Design for Recycling

Abstract

The main objective of this thesis is to address the negative effects of the plastic waste mainly generated in tremendous amount through plastic packaging and suggest possible solutions that can curb the plastic waste. Non-biodegradable plastic packages end up in landfills and water bodies every day. Recycling of plastic has been always the most efficient way of reducing the plastic waste and creating the circular economy. Since conventional plastic packaging system demands a lot of effort and capital for recycling, new principles and ideas of design have been introduced in this study which can greatly enhance the recyclability of plastic waste. New plastic packages design can drastically reduce the plastic waste by making them for feasible for recycling. Recycling of plastic turns challenges into opportunities and ensures great benefits to environment and economy. Following the general guidelines for manufacturing plastic packages presented in this study can help to attain sustainable packaging which is the urgent demand in the growing industrialized world. Circular economy can be achieved only when the loophole is properly identified, and improvement measures are considered. Hopefully this study also alarms the readers what could happen in near future in worst scenario if immediate measures are not implemented now.