The difference between recyclability and the recycling rate comes down to what could happen versus what actually happens at the end of a product's life.

Recyclability refers to the potential for a product or material to be recycled under ideal conditions. This means that the material is technically capable of being recycled, provided it is disposed of correctly and there is the proper recycling infrastructure available.

For example, many plastic products are labeled as recyclable, but whether they actually get recycled depends on whether the necessary facilities exist in the area where they are used.

On the other hand, the recycling rate is the percentage of a product or material that is actually collected, processed, and recycled. It measures the real-world effectiveness of recycling systems and consumer behavior. Even if a product is 100% recyclable, the recycling rate may be much lower due to factors like poor collection, inadequate sorting, or a lack of local recycling facilities.

In Pickler, the recycling rate is used. At this moment, the recyclability of a product is not assessed.

In summary, a claim about recyclability speaks to the potential of a product to be recycled, while the recycling rate reveals how often that potential is realized in practice. It’s important to distinguish between these two to avoid misleading claims about sustainability.