The treatment of lightweight packaging refers to the process of collecting, sorting and processing packaging such as plastic bags, beverage cartons, plastic bottles and aluminium cans. It is an important part of waste management as this type of packaging is often non-biodegradable and can be a major burden on the environment if not disposed of properly.

• One of the most common methods for processing lightweight packaging is mechanical sorting. Here, the packaging is separated by material (such as paper, plastic and aluminium) through a combination of manual and mechanical sorting. These materials can then be used for reuse or energy recovery.
• Another method is optical sorting, in which packaging is automatically sorted by material using cameras and sensors. This technology enables higher sorting accuracy and a higher processing rate than mechanical sorting.
• Another method of processing lightweight packaging is thermal recycling, in which the packaging is incinerated at high temperatures to generate energy.
• There are also methods of biological recycling of lightweight packaging, such as composting or fermentation of bioplastics, but these methods are not yet widespread and are mainly tested in laboratories or pilot plants.

It is important to emphasise that the reprocessing of lightweight packaging is not the only solution to the environmental problem, but it is also important that producers and consumers are responsible for reducing the amount of packaging and developing more environmentally friendly alternatives.

There are different types of lightweight packaging (LDPE) available on the market. Some of the most common types are

• Plastic bags: this type of packaging is commonly used in supermarkets and shops to transport purchases. They are usually made of polyethylene (PE) and are not biodegradable.
• Plastic bottles: This type of packaging is often used for drinks and is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They are usually lightweight and robust, but are not biodegradable.
• Aluminium cans: This type of packaging is often used for drinks and food and is made of aluminium. They are usually light and robust, but not biodegradable.
• Beverage cartons: This type of packaging is often used for milk and juice and is made of paper and polyethylene (PE). They are usually light and strong, but not biodegradable.
• Films: This type of packaging is often used for food and is made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are usually thin and lightweight, but not biodegradable.
• Paper bags: This type of packaging is often used in supermarkets and shops to transport purchases. They are made of paper and are biodegradable.

There are also bioplastics that are made from natural resources such as corn starch or cellulose and are biodegradable. However, these are not yet widely used and are mainly tested in laboratories or pilot plants.