Is Plastic Packaging is Recycled?
When we separate waste and dispose of plastic packaging in recycling bins, we expect it will be collected and recycled into new plastic products. Is this the case?
UK Plastic Recycling Rates
The British Plastics Federation publishes data* on plastic recovery and recycling rates. As a result, we know there is positive news; investment in collections and recycling plants means more plastic packaging is being recycled in the UK.
According to their figures, 86% of plastic packaging is now recovered and 49% of plastic packaging waste is recycled. This recycled plastic is used to produce clothing, building materials, car components and more packaging. What’s more, new uses for recycled plastics are being discovered every year. However, it’s not all good news.
What’s the Issue with Plastic Waste?
The issue is, we currently produces around 2.5million tonnes of plastic a year in the UK. Even with the opening of new facilities, we cannot process all of that into new products. This means that around 60% is shipped off to countries including Turkey, Malaysia and Indonesia. We pay them to recycle our plastic waste.
It is widely known that these countries do not have the infrastructure to properly manage everything that we export. In addition, there is more being sent from other countries. This means bottles, containers and other packaging waste are burnt, discarded at sea or buried. It will not biodegrade and it is contaminating land and waterways. This harms local populations and habitats, as well as the global environment.
The Price of Plastic: Ending the Toll of Plastic Waste
MPs representing the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee have prepared a report; ‘The Price of Plastic: Ending the Toll of Plastic Waste’. They’ve called on the Government to ban the export of plastic packaging waste by 2027.
In a statement about the proposed ban, Sir Robert Goodwill MP, Chair of the committee announced:
“To do this we need to reduce how much plastic we use and consume, invest in greater capacity to reprocess our own waste and support research into new technologies and materials. If the UK takes a lead in this, we have the potential to create hundreds of new jobs and build a multi-billion pound waste management industry”.
The Committee urge the Government to prepare a Roadmap before the end of this financial year. This would outline steps to make the ban a viable option and include:
- Investing in UK Recycling Infrastructure
- Promoting Reuse and Refill Schemes
- Tackling illegal waste crimes
They recommend using income from Plastic Tax and proposed 2024 reforms to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to fund these measures.
Cutting Plastic Packaging Use
UK facilities recycle less than half the plastic packaging that is currently being collected. Therefore, we need to cut use by at least 50%. As manufacturers, retailers and consumers, we can all play a part in this.
We need to support and adopt alternatives to plastic packaging, from cardboard boxes to new innovations. These include NotPla packaging, a UK company aiming for a waste-free world. Their ambitions could be a step closer to reality, as they have been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2022 Earthshot Prize**.
How to Remove Plastic from Packaging
Our Aylesbury Box Company team help many brands to remove plastic from their packaging. It’s achieved by rethinking packaging design. We can negate the need for void fill and switch plastic tape for paper-based alternatives. In addition, we continue to take steps to minimise our plastic use and waste. As a result, we can help your brand to evidence supply chain sustainability.
Contact us on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk to discuss ways to reduce, remove or replace plastics in your packaging.
* https://www.bpf.co.uk/Sustainability/Plastics_Recycling.aspx
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