Spouted pouches have become a popular packaging option for everything from baby food to cleaning products. These pouches offer practical benefits for both brands and consumers. However, with the growing concern for sustainability, consumers are asking an important question: Are spouted pouches sustainable packaging choice?
In this blog, we’ll explore the reality and myths of sustainability of spouted pouches and tips for making eco-friendly packaging choices.
Understanding Spouted Pouches and Their Components
Typical spouted pouches are made from multiple layers of materials designed to protect the contents. These layers often include polymers like Polyethylene (PE), aluminum, nylon, and sometimes even paper.
Why are spouted pouches hard to recycle? They laminate multi-material together, making them hard to separate, meaning they often cannot go directly into curbside recycling bins.
Can Spouted Pouches Be Recycled?
Yes and No. Since most curbside programs don’t accept multi-layer plastic packaging, spouted pouches are often labeled “non-recyclable.” However, there are still recycling options, including TerraCycle and specialized recycling programs. Some brands partner with programs like TerraCycle, which collects hard-to-recycle items and processes them into materials such as construction and plastic pellets. Consumers can look for TerraCycle partnerships on their products and search for nearby drop-off locations.
Store Drop-off Programs may accept certain types of flexible packaging through designated recycling bins, but they only accept limited, eligible films – spouted pouches are typically not one of them. Contents matter when it comes to recycling. According to the How2Recycle guideline, wet and oily products, hazardous products, or those that are difficult for consumers to clean and dry packaged goods are not eligible for Store Drop-off recycling.
Look Beyond Disposal
Disposal is often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about sustainable packaging. However, it is critical to consider the overall impact of packaging sustainability. According to a report by the Flexible Packaging Association, disposal accounts for only a small portion of total environmental impacts. For example, in the lifecycle of a motor oil package, most greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water consumption come from the material and manufacturing stages, while the end-of-life stage has a relatively minimal impact. There are still many misconceptions about packaging sustainability, so consumer education is crucial in making informed decisions.
How to Make Eco-Friendly Choices
Even though spouted pouches are not widely accepted in recycling programs, they can still help reduce environmental impact. With plastic recycling rates below 10% in the U.S., even recyclable packaging often ends up in landfills. When buying products, look for brands emphasizing reducing packaging materials, though recyclable options remain essential. Some companies have introduced pouches made from single-layer plastics, including ZACROS, which are easier to recycle than multi-layer designs. Increased collaboration and adoption of recyclable pouches across brands can improve the recycling infrastructure over time. Also, choose brands that use recycled content. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) has its own challenges, but it can further lower the environmental footprint.
Final Thoughts
Recycling spouted pouches can be challenging, but with growing consumer demand, more companies are exploring sustainable packaging options. By staying informed and supporting brands that prioritize packaging sustainability, consumers play an essential role in reducing waste and encouraging environmentally friendly practices.
With ongoing innovation, we can look forward to more sustainable spouted pouches that are easier to recycle. Until then, using specialized recycling programs, reducing packaging materials, and choosing eco-conscious brands can make a significant difference.
Looking for a more environmentally friendly packaging options for liquids? Contact us to learn more about our spouted pouch capabilities.