A new reference tool is now available from the British Plastics Federation (BPF) that provides a comprehensive overview of the plastics industry in the UK.
Called Plastics Explained: Exploring the Key Topics the publication is designed for use for those working both inside and outside the plastics industry. Next to facts and figures about the UK plastics industry, it explores the role of the industry in a sustainable future and highlights the necessary steps that need to be taken to improve recycling in the UK. As well, issues concerning plastics and the environment are also discussed.
According to Plastics Explained, the UK’s target of net zero emissions by 2050 will not be possible without plastic, as the material is not only essential for things like insulation, lightweight vehicles and wind turbines but also because alternative materials are often heavier and require more resources to produce, which can lead to increased emissions.
That said, better options are needed to solve the end of life issues the use of plastics brings with it. The current recycling system must be overhauled, by reinvesting the money raised by the plastic packaging tax to address the lack of suitable collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure for plastic in the UK.
The new document also covers taxing plastic packaging based upon the amount of recycled content; split targets and PRN reform; exporting plastic waste for recycling; fraud and waste crime; open and closed-loop recycling; biobased, biodegradable and oxo-degradable plastics as a solution to littering; microplastics.