Recycling group launches fresh strategy to boost plastics recycling

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): The British Plastics Federation Recycling Group (BPFRG) has announced the launch of a new strategy, aimed at encouraging the development of UK’s plastics recycling sector. The new strategy proposes various industry-led initiatives and regulations to enhance plastics recycling.

BPFRG has identified several measures that would help the plastics industry to grow and contribute towards a circular economy in the UK. The key proposal recommends collaboration with the Plastics Industry Recycling Action Plan (PIRAP). It also calls for setting up of a standard for all grades of plastic feedstock consumed domestically or exported and creation of an investment fund in order to foster development of newer technologies. BPFRG proposes split plastic packaging recycling target-a split between UK-based recycling and exporting. The recycling group also proposes creation of recycled content procurement policies within public bodies and large corporate companies.

PIRAP is an industry action plan set up in June 2015, aimed to increase collection, improve sorting and develop end markets for recycled plastics. By collaborating with the plan, BPFRG will work with other stakeholders to develop actions through it. Specific projects will be designed to target ‘difficult’ and ‘not widely’ recycled plastics. Further, BPFRG will use the plan to heighten the demand and end markets for recycled plastics.

According to BPFRG, plastic reprocessors are currently forced to undertake extensive sorting before recycling, mainly due to low quality of feedstock. It proposes to develop standards for all plastic grades. Further, UK reprocessors and exporters will be advised to accept only those materials meeting these standards. This will result in higher quality material and will help reduce wastage costs and contamination levels.

Innovation and development of innovative technologies is much needed for the growth of the industry. A large number of innovative projects have been held due to lack of financing. The creation of an investment fund will help these projects to move forward and deliver commercially viable technologies to include more categories of materials under recycling. This fund will specifically benefit the development of pots, tubs and trays recycling, which currently enjoys a low recycling rate of 30%. The proposed fund would be financed by funding from extended producer responsibility, landfill tax or a minimum price for PRN/PERN. The fund would be utilized towards development of plastics recycling industry infrastructure and designing new schemes to accommodate currently difficult to recycle material streams.

Earlier in 2014, the BPFRG had proposed that recycling targets should be split between plastic packaging waste that remains in the UK and Europe and that which went elsewhere. In the new political climate, the split must be between waste staying and leaving the UK. Such a move is expected to retain resources within the UK, deliver better environmental outcome. Moreover, it would lead to creation of more UK-based jobs.

BPFRG notes that introduction of Recycled Content Procurement for all Public Bodies and Large Corporate Companies would help to provide stable end markets for the plastic recycling industry. Furthermore, it would inject confidence in the sector and lead to development of new recycled products with increased recycled content.