It’s because the recycled option includes the costs that should have been paid by the plastic producers the first time around. At some point, the societal cost

It’s because the recycled option includes the costs that should have been paid by the plastic producers the first time around. At some point, the societal costs of producing a product or material will be taxed or otherwise accounted for at the time of production. Until then, the maths is gonna be kind screwy like this.