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How to Store and Recycle Clear Packaging Correctly
Clear plastic packaging — especially PET and RPET — offers excellent sustainability potential when handled the right way.
But improper storage or recycling can undo those benefits. Whether you’re a business or consumer, knowing how to care for, store, and dispose of clear packaging ensures it stays out of landfill and in the recycling loop.
Here’s a simple guide to getting the most life out of clear packaging.
Why It Matters
Recyclable packaging is only effective when it’s actually recycled.
Common issues like food residue, mixed materials, or incorrect bin placement can cause even the best packaging to end up as waste.
At Clear-Pak, we design with recyclability in mind — but it also depends on how the packaging is used and disposed of.
How to Recycle Clear Plastic Packaging
To recycle clear plastic packaging:
- Remove any stickers or mixed materials
- Rinse and dry if food residue is present
- Place in your local council’s kerbside recycling bin (check PET acceptance)
Avoid putting contaminated or non-recyclable items in the bin.
Storing Clear Packaging Properly (Business Use)
To maintain packaging quality before use:
- Store in a dry, cool location away from sunlight
- Keep flat-packed cartons upright to avoid warping
- Avoid stacking heavy boxes on clear plastic to prevent creasing or scuffing
Clear packaging is highly presentational — minor damage can reduce its shelf appeal.
Preparing Clear Packaging for Recycling (Business & Consumer)
- Empty all contents – including inserts, stickers, or product remnants
- Separate materials – remove printed sleeves, mixed-material caps, or foam trays
- Check your local council’s recycling guide – most accept PET (resin code #1)
- Rinse and dry – especially if used for food, cosmetics, or bath products
Avoid putting packaging in soft plastic bins — rigid PET/RPET should go in your standard recycling bin.
What Can and Can’t Be Recycled
| Material | Recyclable? | Notes |
| PET / RPET (clear rigid) | ✅ Yes | Most councils accept in kerbside bins |
| Laminated sleeves or foil stickers | ❌ No | Remove before recycling |
| Foam inserts | ❌ No | Check for specialised recycling |
| Mixed-material caps | ❌ No | Separate and dispose as general waste |
Designing for Better Recycling
Clear-Pak helps brands create packaging that’s:
- Mono-material – easier to recycle
- Labelled correctly – clear on-pack disposal instructions
- Made from RPET – supporting closed-loop production
Talk to Us About Sustainable Packaging Design
Consumer Education Makes the Difference
We encourage all brands to:
- Add the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) where possible
- Include simple recycling instructions on-pack
- Avoid decorative extras that complicate disposal
Educated consumers are more likely to recycle correctly — completing the sustainability loop.
Keep Packaging Out of Landfill — and In the Loop
How would it feel to know your packaging didn’t just look good — but left a smaller footprint too?
Clear-Pak helps businesses and consumers get more out of their packaging — through smart design and practical recycling advice.
Contact Us for Recyclable Packaging Solutions →