Recyclability: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is used when referring to the ability of a material or product to be processed and transformed into multiple new products after it has served its original purpose.

• The recyclability of plastic bottles makes them an environmentally friendly option.
• Companies are investing in improving the recyclability of their packaging.

This term is used when discussing the capacity of a product to be used multiple times after its initial purpose, often with little to no processing.

• The reusability of glass jars makes them popular in environmentally conscious households.
• Reusable shopping bags help reduce waste in landfills.

This term is used to describe resources that can be naturally replenished over time. It often applies to natural resources like solar energy, wind power, and biomass.

• The renewability of solar energy is one of its greatest advantages.
• Forests, if managed responsibly, can be a renewable resource.

This term is broader and refers to practices that do not deplete resources or harm ecosystems, ensuring that ecological balance is maintained. It encompasses economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

• The company is committed to sustainability and uses minimal packaging.
• Sustainability is a key consideration in modern agriculture.