Recent research from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) indicates that there has been a rise in plastics recovery.
The report examined trends in plastic recovery since 2007, and found that UK demand for food-grade recycled polymers has risen, sometimes even exceeding the available supply. There has also been extensive UK investment in capacity for plastic bottle reprocessing; the rate of recovery is now at over 40 per cent. Additionally, non-packaging plastic recycling has increased, a rise that can be attributed to regulatory factors.
The report also found a new emphasis on the recovery of mixed plastic (non-bottle) packaging, although currently less than five per cent of this is being recycled. Mixed plastics kerbside collections have already been implemented by approximately 20 per cent of local authorities, and the first UK reprocessing facility for mixed plastics is to be introduced in Redcar on Teeside in 2011.
WRAP perceives the disparity between the supply and demand for reclaimed food-grade polymers as a ‘market opportunity’ for investors to support reprocessing. Previous research from WRAP indicated that the value of the recycled plastics market could potentially be £250-£500 million, with the additional benefit of creating new jobs.
Marcus Gover, WRAP’s director of market development, said: “WRAP’s report shows that the overall picture for plastics is positive. Despite the volatility in prices of the past two years, the market is strong.”
He added: “There has been extensive investment in UK plastics reprocessing capacity however, the UK still exports a large proportion of the plastics it collects for recycling. Given the strong UK demand for high quality recycled plastics, this represents a great opportunity for UK manufacturers to exploit this green niche.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
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