Crinkly Packaging
Crinkly Packaging (Multi-Layer Plastic)
Not to be confused with stretchy plastic film. Crinkly food packaging includes chip bags, coffee bags, granola bar wrappers, and similar materials. These items may look simple, but they’re made from several fused layers of different materials, which is why they’re so difficult to recycle through traditional systems.
The ReCollective is stepping in to fill that gap by creating a reliable way to collect and responsibly process these materials so they don’t end up in the landfill.
Accepted Materials
This recycling stream includes thicker, crinkly food packaging that isn’t stretchy. Make sure everything is clean and completely dry, and remove any metal clips or ties before placing it in the bag.
- Chip bags
- Candy wrappers
- Granola bar and energy bar wrappers
- Coffee bags
- Frozen food bags
- Salad bags
- Pasta bags
- Cheese packaging
- Crinkly resealable food bags
- Food and drink pouches
- Woven plastic bags
- Produce netting
- Clean takeout utensils
- Plastic drinking straws
Examples of Accepted Materials
Materials NOT Accepted
- Plastic film (stretchy) – this goes in the plastic film bag.
- Items with paper liners
- Items that contain cardboard
- Items with mixed materials other than plastic, such as metal or paper
- Styrofoam or other foam
- Dirty items
Important Tips! Make sure the packaging feels thick, crinkly, and doesn’t stretch. Do not include thin stretchy film like grocery bags, bread bags, or Ziploc style bags; those belong in plastic film instead. Flatten bags and wrappers to save space and make sorting easier.
How does ReCo recycle crinkly food packaging?
At our warehouse, The ReCollective team sorts and consolidates all crinkly food packaging to remove anything that doesn’t belong. We then compact the material so it can be efficiently shipped to BYFUSION, where it is transformed into durable construction blocks that replace traditional concrete.
BYFUSION’s approach doesn’t just manage plastic, it reimagines it. Through innovative technology, it converts everyday plastic waste into building blocks that support circular design, reduce environmental impact, and create real-world infrastructure that communities can use and be proud of.
F.A.Q.s
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How can I tell if a food package belongs in this stream?
Look for packaging that feels thick, crinkly, and does not stretch. Common examples include chip bags, candy wrappers, frozen food bags, granola bar wrappers, and coffee bags. All items must be clean, completely dry, and free of metal clips or ties. Thin stretchy film like grocery bags or bread bags should go in plastic film instead.
Why is crinkly food packaging hard to recycle, and what happens to it after The ReCollective collects it?
Crinkly food packaging is made from several fused layers of different materials, which makes it difficult for traditional recycling systems to process. At our warehouse, we sort and compact the material before sending it to ByFusion, where it is transformed into durable construction blocks instead of going to the landfill.
Can crinkly food packaging be recycled through curbside programs?
No. Municipal recycling programs do not accept crinkly food packaging because it’s made from multiple fused layers that standard facilities cannot separate. That’s exactly why The ReCollective is piloting this stream.
Our Partners Who Make this Possible
