Recycled ocean-bound thermoplastic
Grounded's recycled ocean plastic is collected from ethical recycling ecosystems in developing economies, having considerable positive social, economic and environmental impact. These economies contribute the majority of the world's ocean plastic.
The good?
- Grounded's ocean bound plastic collection systems have a material impact on reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans
- Recycled PET is relatively abundant and affordable, and as such it makes for an easy alternative for businesses looking to move away from virgin plastic.
- It has a considerably lower carbon footprint compared to virgin PET
- Transitioning to recycled materials has a positive effect across the wider recycling economy as it creates demand for recycled content where historically there has been none
- The recycling industry is a critical part of any functioning circular economy and by increasing demand for recycled materials, it fuels the development of critical waste management infrastructure
- Due to its inert nature, if PET ends up in landfills it reforms into biogenic carbon over time, instead of generating greenhouse gas emissions.
The bad?
- Raw material quality can be variable, which can result in a ‘grainy' texture which can affect print quality and sometimes create a speckled finish.
- It is not biodegradable or compostable, and if it ends up in the environment it is likely to be there for many years before turning into biogenic carbon.
Sustainability Properties
Fossil fuel reduction
Reduces the amount of virgin fossil fuel content
Carbon reduction
Reduces the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by production and delivery
Recycled plastic
Contains mostly recycled plastic content
Recyclable plastic
Recyclable in the plastic waste stream
Nontoxic Inks
Water or biobased inks that do not require petroleum-based solvents
Certifications
- Certifications are unavailable for this material
Frequently asked questions
Recycled content is of more variable quality than virgin material. The recycled material creates a speckled, grainy texture but does not effect print or packaging quality.
Yes they can. Grounded's recycled films and paperboard materials are recyclable. Recycled plastics are able to be recycled in either dedicated PE streams (#4) or via in-store collection systems such as Red Cycle. All recycled paper products are kerbside recyclable.