Plastic jars – particularly those that are double-walled and with push-down dispensers – use excess plastic that is non-recyclable and difficult to separate. Once the product inside is finished, these jars are destined for landfill. Some brands now offer refillable options, but be mindful that just because something is technically refillable may not mean that it’s more sustainable if excess and non-recyclable materials have been used for the refill itself.
There are many alternatives to plastic to be considered including glass, aluminium and innovative, home-compostable options. Check that the manufacturer hasn’t used any linings (usually made from plastic) as these will inhibit the recycling process. If plastic must be used, opt for a high PCR (post consumer recycled) content, and look for mono-material jars as these tend to be more easily recycled than mixed-material. Almost all plastic products display the recycling symbol of a triangle formed by three circling arrows. The number in the triangle (1-7) indicates the type of plastic and its recyclability in each geographical area.