Recyclable Plastic Packaging — A Comprehensive Guide
Recyclable plastic packaging is at the heart of today’s environmental challenges. Faced with increasing regulatory requirements (the PPWR Directive, the AGEC Act) and consumer expectations, choosing recyclable packaging has become a must for brands in the cosmetics, food supplements and health and beauty sectors.
At LABOPICHOT, a French manufacturer of plastic packaging since 1989, we offer a comprehensive range of recyclable bottles made from PET, HDPE, PPand post-consumer recycled rPET. Our packaging is designed in accordance with eco-design principles to maximise its recyclability at the end of its life and minimise its carbon footprint right from the manufacturing stage.
These three concepts are often confused. Recyclable packaging can be collected and turned into new raw materials through recycling channels.Biodegradable packaging breaks down naturally through the action of microorganisms. Bio-based packaging is made from renewable plant-based materials, but is not necessarily biodegradable or recyclable.
PLA (polylactic acid), for example, is bio-based and industrially compostable, but cannot be recycled through conventional channels and may contaminate the PET stream if not sorted correctly. For a comprehensive eco-friendly approach,rPET often offers the best compromise: recycled, recyclable, high-performance and compliant with food and cosmetics regulations.
In France, the plastics that can be recycled in the yellow bin are mainly PET (code 1), HDPE (code 2) and PP (code 5). Since the extension of sorting guidelines in 2022, all plastic packaging has been accepted in the recycling bin in most local authorities. PET is the most recycled plastic, with a recycling rate of over 58% in France. HDPE and PP have well-established recycling streams. PLA (bioplastic), however, is not recyclable via conventional methods.
What is the difference between recyclable packaging and recycled packaging?
Recyclable packaging is designed to be recycled at the end of its life: it is made from materials accepted by recycling schemes (PET, HDPE, PP). Recycled packaging (or packaging made from recycled material) contains a proportion of material derived from recycling, such as rPET (post-consumer recycled PET). The two concepts are complementary: a bottle can be made from rPET (recycled material) and still be recyclable at the end of its life.
Is rPET as reliable as virgin PET for packaging?
Yes. rPET (100% post-consumer recycled PET) has mechanical, barrier and transparency properties very similar to those of virgin PET. Our super-clean rPET reduces the carbon footprint by 60 to 75% compared to virgin PET, whilst maintaining the same impact resistance, optical clarity and compatibility with cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food products. Food-grade rPET complies with Regulation (EU) 2022/1616.
Comment savoir si mon emballage plastique est recyclable ?
Check the recycling logo and the resin code on the packaging: 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE) and 5 (PP) are the most recyclable. Also make sure that the packaging does not contain multi-material composites that make recycling difficult (metal + plastic, or several incompatible plastics). At LABOPICHOT, we design our packaging according to eco-design principles: single-material, recycling-friendly decorations, and lids made from compatible materials.
Is recyclable packaging mandatory for cosmetics and food supplements?
Since 2025, European regulations have imposed increasing recyclability targets for packaging (the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – PPWR). For cosmetics and food supplements, packaging must gradually incorporate a proportion of recycled material and be designed with recyclability in mind. LABOPICHOT supports its clients in the transition to recyclable and eco-friendly packaging, for orders of 5,000 units or more.
Do you offer packaging with a recyclability label or certification?
Yes. Our PET, HDPE and PP bottles are eligible for the Triman label (a mandatory logo in France for recyclable products). For rPET, we can provide certification of recycled content (GRS – Global Recycled Standard) on request. Material compliance declarations and technical data sheets are available for all our materials.