Chapter 21

Recycling of Packaging

Ernst Worrell     Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Abstract

Packaging is so common throughout our lives and the world that we hardly realize the massive volume of material consumed for packaging. Packaging is the key factor determining the volume and composition of municipal solid waste in many countries. The volume and composition of packaging waste are affected by a number of factors. Economic development, population, and a variety of national factors are key drivers for the total volume. The composition changes over time due to technology and economic drivers, but it is also affected by national traditions and policies. Due to the important contribution ...

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