The British Plastics Federation Recycling Group (BPFRG) has launched a new strategy to improve plastic recycling in the UK through industry-led initiatives and regulation.
The strategy, said the BPFRG on 5 April, will encourage the development of the UK plastic recycling industry in order to maintain “valuable plastic material” in the UK to be used by the manufacturing sector.
The group has called for a “split plastic packaging recycling target” between UK-based recycling and exporting.
The target, said the group, will increase over time.
The BPFRG has also proposed creating an investment fund to help develop new technology, using funding from extended producer responsibility, landfill tax or a minimum price for PRN/PERN.
Additionally, the strategy called for standards for all grades of plastic feedstock for the UK or export market to create high quality material for recyclers. This, it said, is intended “to create demand” for the recycled products produced using public procurement and procurement from large corporate companies.
“The strategy's aim is to increase recycling activity in the UK and has been produced in consultation with senior figures in industry,” said chairman of the Recycling Group Roger Baynham.
The BPFRG will also be collaborating with the Plastics Industry Recycling Action Plan (PIRAP) to help increase plastic recycling.
This includes studying barriers that prevent certain plastics from being recycled.
PIRAP currently has 50 members from across the value chain including retailers and brand owners.