According to Recoup (Peterborough / UK; www.recoup.org), a leading authority on plastics waste management and recycling, an infrastructure to process mixed plastics and film waste must be developed in the UK if it is to meet its recycling targets. In order to avoid confusion amongst end-users, there should be clearer labelling on plastic packaging that indicates whether it is widely recyclable. These were the key points made by Recoup chief executive Stuart Foster in his opening address at the “Understanding the plastics packaging journey” seminar on 3 May.

Foster’s comments were made in the knowledge that UK plastics recycling needs to improve significantly: The government has confirmed that the plastics packaging recycling target is set to increase from 24% at present to 42% in 2017. Developing the infrastructure so it is able to handle additional capacity, both mixed waste and bottles, is therefore a priority if targets are to be met. But, as Foster emphasised, it is no good encouraging local authorities to add plastic pots, tubs and trays to their household collections if the infrastructure to handle them is lacking. “We need time for infrastructure to be developed before we can ramp up the [local authority] collections,” said Foster. “That is why I am calling for a little less conversation and a little more action.”

Clearer labelling on plastic packaging is needed in order to improve communication with consumers. According to Foster, the triangular system for plastic recycling can be confusing as consumers think it means an item can be recycled. He added that, it should be considered whether the message ‘recyclable where facilities exist’ actually helps consumers.

During the Recoup seminar, UK recycling minister Lord Taylor outlined plans for a new drive to increase plastic bottle recycling. In 2011 around 240,000 t of plastic bottles, with an estimated polymer value of up to GBP 91m (EUR 109m), were sent to landfill from UK households with access to a kerbside plastic bottle recycling collection, equivalent to nearly half of all bottles used. Lord Taylor emphasised the vast majority of these bottles could easily be recycled and added that he wants to see a major push to end this state - with businesses, councils and householders all playing their part to address the problem. One possible route under consideration is a campaign to help raise awareness amongst households and businesses of the simple steps they can take to help increase plastic bottle recycling.