The annual convention held by recycling charity RECOUP introduced collectively a variety of voices from packaging, recycling, finance, and coverage to look at how teams within the UK, and past, can transfer nearer to true plastic circularity. (Phrases: RECOUP).
Opening the occasion, Jeremy Blake of PackUK described 2025 as a pivotal 12 months for the packaging panorama. With new laws set to reshape the sector, he emphasised the chance to chop emissions, cut back waste, and design a packaging system that delivers advantages for each companies and communities.
The primary session examined whether or not the UK can realistically obtain plastic circularity, and it was chaired by Dr Adam Learn MBE, SUEZ, with audio system from Barclays, Biffa Polymers, DOW, Tesco, ReLondon and Nestlé UK. The panel agreed that progress is feasible, however solely with decisive motion mixed with the correct technique. A lot of the controversy targeted on how the trade balances ambition with pragmatism with dialogue targeted on tackling difficult-to-recycle supplies, investing in innovation, and growing reuse fashions, whereas additionally making certain that current options should not missed. Audio system pressured that ready for future applied sciences dangers slowing momentum and that the trade needs to be “utilizing what we’ve now” and addressing why a lot UK plastic continues to be exported. Finance was additionally highlighted as a key enabler, with audio system reminding delegates that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. In the end, the dialogue underscored the necessity for clear nationwide technique, truthful accountability throughout the packaging lifecycle, and better funding in options.
Session two seemed past the UK to look at worldwide fashions. Chaired by Joachim Quoden of EXPRA, joined by panellists from DROP-IN, Repak, Dollar Recycling Applied sciences, College of Portsmouth, Amcor, Coperion Recycling and WRAP, the session drew on international experiences of Prolonged Producer Accountability, taxation schemes, and Deposit Return Techniques. Audio system famous that whereas nationwide contexts differ, the challenges are sometimes remarkably related and while it may be extraordinarily troublesome to just accept recommendation from different nations, we will study quite a bit by doing so. Improvements akin to chemical and dissolution recycling, alongside certification and traceability techniques, have been recognized as important to constructing belief and scaling options. The session explored how experiences from different nations present that remoted modifications to waste administration techniques typically fail to realize their meant outcomes, creating surprising issues. The panel agreed that the UK has a chance to implement an evidence-based round technique by aligning infrastructure, incentives, and enforcement. Audio system additionally pointed to the necessity for insurance policies that encourage collaboration in addition to the significance of constructing belief, aligning techniques, and investing in scalable infrastructure to make sure actual circularity.
The ultimate session, “Plastic Reality vs Plastic Fiction – The Plastic Paradox,” chaired by Rowan Byrne, WSP alongside audio system from Viridor, Waitrose, Coca-Cola Europacific Companions, Faerch, CIWM and Birmingham College, addressed public perceptions, addressing the myths and misconceptions surrounding plastics. Panellists agreed that plastic itself isn’t inherently dangerous – the actual problem is in its mismanagement. The dialogue highlighted the rising concern round microplastics, the fragility of home recycling infrastructure following the closure of twenty-two% of UK amenities since 2023, and the necessity to put money into techniques that may hold assets in circulation. Public urge for food for recycling stays robust, and the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme is anticipated to carry recycling charges to 70%, supported by vital non-public funding. On the identical time the panel expressed that misinformation and clickbait reporting have been seen as obstacles to progress, with requires the trade to work extra carefully with the media to share optimistic, fact-based tales.
Throughout all periods, three constant themes emerged: the necessity for better collaboration throughout borders and sectors, the significance of accelerating funding in innovation and infrastructure, and the central function of public belief. Because the convention made clear, plastic is right here to remain – however with the correct techniques, it will probably stay a helpful useful resource reasonably than a persistent waste downside.
Discover out extra about RECOUP and the work they do at recoup.org
