RECycling of Used Plastics Ltd (RECOUP), a UK-based charity promoting reuse of end-of-life plastics, has held its first 2018 member meeting, with leading sorting technology provider Bühler UK Ltd joining the members.
According to RECOUP, attendees included representatives from the government, retailers, waste management, packaging producers, reprocessors, trade organisations and independent specialists.
The challenges and opportunities in 2018 were discussed at the event on 16 Jan, with input from UK agencies including DEFRA, Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) and the British Plastics Federation (BPF).
Some of the key priorities set by the meeting were focusing on disposal and recycling ‘on the go'; deposit return system planning; consumer engagement and behaviour change as well as design for recyclability.
As part of the event, new RECOUP member, Bühler UK Ltd, gave attendees a tour of its factory where it makes optical sorting machines.
This included a demonstration of one of the potential solutions for black plastics recycling, showing the separation of black flakes from coloured flakes.
Commenting on joining RECOUP, Bühler UK Ltd managing director, Matt Kelly said his company looked forward to working with RECOUP and its members with a common interest in plastic recycling and sustainability.
The RECOUP Plastics Recycling Conference takes place on 27 Sept this year.