Composition of rigid polyolefin and polystyrene packaging waste in separate waste collection: An Austrian case study from 2021 to 2024

Abstract

Plastic packaging waste is currently steadily increasing and its circular treatment is of importance. This study examines the composition of rigid PO and PS packaging waste (PW) in the Austrian separate waste collection system, particularly focusing on waste composition, packaging characteristics, including packaging format, colouration, food/non-food, type of labelling and closures, and the design-for-recycling potential. The findings indicate that 13 m-% of separate waste collection is comprised of rigid PO and PS PW. High-density polyethylene PW comprises primarily non-food hollow bodies, whereas PS is comprised of food cups. Polypropylene PW is composed of food trays, cups and non-food hollow bodies. The targeted PW is predominantly white (40 m-%) and natural (35 m-%). Food cups are primarily directly printed. The design-for-recycling evaluation of labelling identified 54 m-% as “good”, 24 m-% as “limited”, and 22 m-% as “poor”. This study provides new insights concerning PW composition to strive for increased circularity.