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Waste and Opportunity 2015
Report

Waste and Opportunity 2015

Environmental Progress and Challenges in Food, Beverage, and Consumer Goods Packaging

As You Sow, 2015 more...

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative

Recommendation

Despite the widespread awareness about recycling benefits, the recycling rate in the United States is lower than that of many developed countries. This report by Conrad B. MacKerron, an executive with the nonprofit organization As You Sow, analyzes the current packaging practices of the quick service (or fast food) restaurant, beverage and consumer goods sectors. getAbstract recommends his research to managers of QSR, beverage and consumer goods companies, as well as packaging designers and environmentalists.

Summary

The United States has a general recycling rate of 34.5% and recycles packaging at an approximate rate of 51%. Postconsumer material worth $11.4 billion is wasted every year due to a lack of adequate facilities and policies. As a result, Americans recycle at a far lower rate than citizens in many other developed nations.

The fast food – or quick service restaurant (QSR) – sector mostly uses recycled paper, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for wrapping. It also uses foam and polystyrene, which are hazardous to health. QSRs must reduce the use...

About the Author

Conrad B. MacKerron is the senior vice president at As You Sow, a nonprofit organization working toward increased environmental and social corporate responsibility.