E145 - Are we really recommending plastic over paper?

Prompted by an email from listener Kenton, we revisit the paper-versus-plastic debate. While plastic pollution is a serious problem, we argue that the best choice depends on the product and propose three tests for "good" plastic packaging: it should be recyclable, contain at least 50% recycled content, and be significantly lighter than the alternative. Using these criteria, plastic wrap around recycled toilet roll may outperform paper wrapping, while also creating demand for recycled plastic that might otherwise be incinerated.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 71 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 4th...