Exactly How BIG is the Lubricant Container Waste Problem?
Single-use plastics refer to goods that are made primarily from fossil fuel-based chemicals and are meant to be disposed of right after use. Single-use plastics are most used for packaging and service ware, such as bottles, straws, and bags. The disposal of these plastics is a well-known environmental issue present in some U.S. states’ agendas[1].
One type of single-use plastics is High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This thermoplastic polymer is made from petroleum and is one of the most versatile plastic materials used in a variety of applications from milk jugs, piping to lubricant containers. HDPE is an extremely resistant material to many chemicals, hence its widespread use in healthcare and laboratory environments. It is resistant to many acids, alcohols, and oils[2].
Every engine needs oil to function properly. Based on research conducted amongst the NLCRC members, in the United States, 96.8 thousand tons[3] of quarter-sized HDPE motor oil containers were sold in 2018.
Additionally, natural HDPE is commonly preferred over pigmented and can be 5 times less probable to be found in municipal waste streams. Natural HDPE is being recycled 1.4 times more than other types of plastics packaging[4]. Motor oil bottles are made from pigmented HDPE, and due to the product they carry, are 7.5 times less likely to be recycled and, therefore, end up in landfills. The reason is that plastic oil containers cannot be easy accepted in recycling facilities due to the residual oil they contain after being disposed of. The oil residue in these containers is a health hazard and when disposed of in landfills contaminate the environment.
In 2016[5], the polyethylene recycled plastic market was worth approximately 25% of the US market share and, since then, it is expected to keep growing due to emerging state laws and regulations, increasing awareness regarding sustainable plastic waste management, reduction in environmental impact from plastic production and disposal, and the increasing demand for recycled plastics in the packaging industry[6].
From industries to households, everyone has an essential role to play in the reduction of the lubricant container waste problem in the US. The US lubricant industry is taking a leadership stance on this national issue with the formation of the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC).
NLCRC founding members include Castrol, Valvoline, Pennzoil - Quaker State Company, Graham Packaging, and Plastipak Packaging. Learn how the NLCRC is addressing the waste problem by becoming a member. Connect with us through LinkedIn and Twitter. If you have any questions or inquires, send us an email at hello@nationallcrc.com.
[1] For example, the case of the state of California. CNBC: “California proposes phaseout of single-use plastics by 2030” (February 2019). Follow the link.
[2] Acme Plastics: “What is High-Density Polyethylene?” Follow the link.
[3] This estimation is considered a low because it excludes e-commerce, dealerships, quick lubes, and commercial sales.
[4] We are assuming that contaminated and pigmented HDPE is categorized as “other type of plastics packaging” according to EPA.
[5] Grand View Research: “Recycled Plastic Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (PET, PVC, PE), By Source (Polymer Foam, Plastic Bottles), By Application (Packaging, Building & Construction), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 – 2027” (September 2020). Follow the link.
[6] Waste Dive: “2021 could be year for packaging EPR, nearly a dozen state bills in play” (February 2021). Follow the link.
