BPF Calls for More Domestic Plastics Recycling

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has published its strategy to minimise the export of plastic scrap and waste from the UK over the next decade, with calls for more domestic recycling and growth in chemical recycling.

The BPF claims that the UK can achieve recycling rates of up to 65% for all plastics (and 75% for plastic packaging) by 2030 if the strategy is followed, arguing that the UK can eliminate its current reliance on international exports.

The report notes that many industries – including automotive, agriculture and electronics – use more plastic than goes into packaging, suggesting a wider recycling scheme to account for all products.

And for packaging, the report suggests kerbside collection of flexible packaging, along with more recycled material in new products.

Director-General of the BPF Philip Law, commented, “Drastically reducing our reliance on exporting plastic waste for recycling and the amount of plastic waste going to landfill is achievable and this roadmap shows how.

“Most importantly, there needs to be significant investment in increasing UK recycling capacity.”