Two thirds of UK plastics recyclers attending last week's Plastics Recycling Expo (PRE) voted for the country to remain in the European Union (EU).
Ahead of this Thursday's referendum – which will decide whether the UK stays in the EU or leaves – Recoup, the recycling organisation, ran a unique survey at PRE to determine the views of visitors to show, which was co-located with PDM Event and is organised by Crain Communications, publisher of PRW.
PRE visitors and exhibitors were asked to deposit their empty plastic drinks bottles in bins marked ‘Remain' or ‘Leave'.
Recoup said the voting bins “sparked interesting debate”, including varied views on how Thursday's vote would affect future investment in manufacturing facilities, imports and exports, and the fortunes of the recycling industry in the UK.
According to the organisation 65% voted to remain in the EU.
Recoup's communications manager Anne Hitch said: “The ‘Remain' and ‘Brexit' decision will directly affect how the UK prioritises recycling, sustainability and circular economy development.
“It was interesting to hear the frank discussion from delegates about the affects the EU referendum could have.”