WRAP Launches 'U.K. Plastics Pact' to Reduce Plastic Waste

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has announced the launch of the ‘U.K. Plastics Pact’-a programme that aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment. The official launch event was held in London and was attended by the Secretary of State for the Environment Rt. Hon Michael Gove, Founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Dame Ellen MacArthur, and WRAP CEO Marcus Gover among other invitees.

The Pact brings together businesses from across the entire plastics value chain with UK governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to tackle plastic pollution. It aims to transform the entire plastic packaging system in the UK.

By 2025, the Pact intends to eliminate problematic or unnecessary single-use plastic packaging through redesign, innovation or alternative (re-use) delivery models. It targets to make all of the plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable. Further, the Pact expects that 70% of the plastic packaging is effectively recycled or composted. In addition, it foresees all plastic packaging to contain at least 30% recycled content.

The Pact, launched yesterday, has received the support of 42 businesses in addition to nearly 15 organizations that have already shown their commitment to the Pact. The businesses that have already signed up to the Pact include Asda, Marks & Spencer, Pennon, Suez Recycling and Recovery, Veolia and Waitrose. The organizations to extend support include British Plastics Federation, British Retail Consortium and Environmental Services Association.

Environment secretary Michael Gove expressed the hope that other businesses will soon sign up to support efforts to eliminate avoidable plastic waste. The Pact will initially focus on identifying projects that deliver the greatest impact in the short and long term.

The UK Plastics Pact is only a first step in this direction. This will be replicated in other countries also, Chile being the next.