The use of the number six (6) resin identification code is applied to ARCEL® protective packaging materials. The AFPR recognizes ARCEL® as recyclable and as such, recommends the use of the number six (6) to best determine the correct recycling stream for this material. ARCEL® consists of 70% polystyrene (PS) and 30% polyethylene (PE). The higher content level of polystyrene is why ARCEL® is labeled with a number six (6) identification code.

Continue reading to understand why ARCEL® is appropriately labeled with the number six (6) recycling code and how ARCEL® is easily recycled either back into new ARCEL® or EPS packaging components or in a mixed plastics application such as plastic lumber.

Cushioning materials should be individually evaluated in terms of their performance and environmental benefits – but not in a vacuum. Disposal options alone should not dictate a material’s environmental profile, but should consider reusability, the material’s ability to effect source reduction and other considerations that promote a well-rounded evaluation. ARCEL® offers unique performance properties that can provide distinct environmental advantages. Often, when choosing ARCEL® less material is needed to achieve the same performance properties as other materials and in some cases eliminates the need for other, auxiliary packaging components such as protective bags. The most important environmental attribute for any packaging material is damage avoidance of the product in transit to ensure the energy and materials used are not wasted.

According to the Society of the Plastics Industries (SPI) Resin Identification Code “Guide to Correct Usage,” the code was developed in 1988 specifically to facilitate the recycling of post-consumer plastics. Although there are only six major plastic resin types, the SPI coding system does include a seventh category, identified as “other.” It is intended for use when the product in question is made with a resin other than 1-6 or is made of more than one resin used in combination. Although ARCEL® could be coded as a seven (7) as defined by SPI, this would actually impede its recyclability. In addition, it is important to note that the “other” category was developed to address legislative concerns dealing strictly with bottles and containers. SPI maintains, “Except where laws may require the use of a particular code, manufacturers have the option of selecting the coding system most appropriate for their product.”   It is noteworthy to mention that the German Green Dot Duales Program recognizes ARCEL®  labeled as number six (6) for the purpose of recycling.

Further, the FTC “Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims” determine the inconspicuous use of the SPI code does not constitute a claim of recyclability. However, to leave a packaging material unmarked or labeled as a number seven (7) – for any reason – would effectively eliminate any existing recycling opportunities for that material. ARCEL® can and is being recycled, but like other materials including colored glass and wax-coated paper, cannot be recycled in all cases. The proper reprocessing facilities and technology must be available and issues pertaining to material contamination are of paramount importance.

EPS manufacturers that are members of AFPR confirm their routine acceptance of ARCEL® within the EPS recycling stream. For example, Mr. Kent Sibley of Foam Fabricators, Inc. in Keller, TX accepts ARCEL® for recycling and has indicated it can be incorporated into EPS packaging without impeding the recycling process typically used by EPS manufacturers, which constitutes 45% of all post-consumer EPS recycled annually within the U.S. Mr. Sibley also clarified that post-consumer ARCEL® does not adversely effect the cushioning properties of the new packaging component, but due to the larger ‘bead’ size, can affect the material aesthetically. Therefore, for cosmetic purposes, ARCEL® is typically recycled back into new ARCEL® packaging.  We are aware of other AFPR member companies, including Createc, Tuscarora Incorporated (SCA) and EFP to name a few, that accept ARCEL® for recycling at multiple plant locations throughout the U.S.