Film and flexible packaging are widely used in consumer goods applications due to their material efficiency and barrier properties. However, lightweight structures and multi-material formats present challenges for collection, sorting and mechanical recycling within existing waste management infrastructure. The framework analyses these constraints and sets out measures aligned with current infrastructure, market conditions and economic considerations.
While the document concentrates on improving recycling outcomes for film and flexible packaging, it also refers to the waste hierarchy. Source reduction and reuse are identified as priority strategies. Where recycling is pursued, the framework stresses the need to address the entire value chain, from packaging design to end market demand.
A key conclusion is that end market development represents a decisive factor for increasing recycling rates. Expanding collection volumes without stable and scalable demand for recycled film may not lead to measurable circularity outcomes. Strengthening domestic markets for post-consumer recycled film is therefore presented as a prerequisite for system-wide progress.
The framework does not propose a single national collection model. Instead, it recognises that approaches to film and flexible packaging collection must reflect local conditions, including community size, material recovery facility capabilities, policy frameworks and regional market dynamics. It outlines multiple collection pathways and calls for continued efforts in circular packaging design to improve compatibility with sorting and recycling technologies.
The development process involved stakeholders from municipalities, material recovery facilities, packaging manufacturers, brand owners, film producers and recyclers. The resulting document identifies structural gaps in the current system and defines actions for packaging producers, users and policymakers intended to support investment, policy alignment and technological development in film and flexible packaging recycling.
