In Germany, most supermarkets have automatic machines to deposit empty plastic bottles for a refund. Germans return their empty bottles to the store for a payment of approximately 25 cents. Germany is celebrated worldwide as a recycling role model, and they are proud of their bottle deposit system.

There was a period when South Koreans deposited take-out cups back to coffee shops for a refund. Yet, experts argue that the collection of plastic does not reflect on the recycling rate. For instance, Germany’s recycling rates do not mainly reflect on how much collected-material is being recovered. Only 15.6% of post-consumer plastic waste gets made into new plastic products. An often-forgotten fact is that recycling plastic is not as smooth because there are different types of materials, and the combination of them minimizes their recyclability.

With large plastic production and low levels of recycling, the best way to reduce plastic pollution is by refusing them. If companies did not produce raw materials, consumers would not demand them, and the recycling system will be required to renovate utterly. Post-consumer recycling consists of resources that are recovered from consumers via recycling efforts. After being washed, sorted, pelletized, they are formed into different products. Since the quality and durability of recycled plastic become weak, a ratio of virgin plastic is added to strengthen them. Regarding that virgin plastic might be better in terms of quality and require lower cost in petroleum and energy than in recycled plastic, it is far impactful to the environment. PCR plastic is a contribution to the global battle for the environment, fighting against plastic pollution.

The culture brew recycling and people are committed to the practice due to the rise of climate movements. Starting from 2021, Europe is banning single-use plastic, and recently the German government began to request manufacturers to register their packaging to control waste. If plastic packaging land in oceans, landfills, and animal digestive systems, plastic makers should hold responsible for their productions.

AROMATICA could not help to pay attention to the issue, and a remarkable change has been happening. As a symbol and voice of a sustainable beauty brand, AROMATICA is planning to introduce PCR packaging, starting in 2020, to practice sustainable living. Together, let’s be the change.