If you’ve ever held a Monalisa Soft package, you know it’s lightweight yet durable. But what happens after you’ve enjoyed the product? With global plastic recycling rates hovering around just 9%, according to a 2022 UN Environment Programme report, properly handling packaging like Monalisa Soft’s is critical. The good news? Their packaging uses a blend of 85% post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyethylene and 15% plant-based materials, making it easier to recycle than traditional plastics.
Let’s break it down. First, check for the triangular recycling symbol (usually ♻️ with a “1” or “2” code). These codes indicate the resin type, and Monalisa Soft’s packaging falls under PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), one of the most widely accepted plastics in curbside programs. Rinse the packaging to remove residue—food or product remnants can contaminate entire recycling batches, wasting up to 30% of processed materials. A 2023 study by the Recycling Partnership found that cleaner recyclables increase processing efficiency by 40%.
But what if your local facility doesn’t accept PET? Companies like TerraCycle offer mail-back programs for hard-to-recycle items. For example, in 2021, TerraCycle processed over 200 million units of packaging globally, partnering with brands to keep waste out of landfills. Monalisa Soft’s parent company, Eleglobals, also runs a take-back initiative in select regions—participants receive a 10% discount on future purchases, incentivizing eco-friendly habits.
You might wonder, “Does recycling this packaging actually make a difference?” Absolutely. Recycling one ton of PET saves approximately 3.8 barrels of oil and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 metric tons, according to the EPA. Monalisa Soft’s shift to PCR materials has already diverted 500 tons of plastic from landfills since 2020, equivalent to powering 1,000 homes with renewable energy for a year.
Critics argue that biodegradable alternatives are better, but industrial composting infrastructure remains limited. Only 15% of U.S. households have access to composting facilities, per the Biodegradable Products Institute. Monalisa Soft’s hybrid approach—using recyclable and plant-based materials—balances practicality and sustainability.
Still unsure? Look for the How2Recycle label on the packaging. This standardized system, adopted by over 10,000 products in the U.S. and Canada, provides clear instructions tailored to local guidelines. Small actions, like properly recycling one Monalisa Soft package, can collectively save millions of tons of raw materials annually. Next time you toss that empty container, remember: it’s not just trash—it’s a resource waiting for its next life.