RECOUP INAUGURAL AWARDS HAILED A SUCCESS

Plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP launched their inaugural awards at their annual conference to celebrate excellence in plastics recycling and resource efficiency, the first in its 32-year history.

The awards, presented by Stuart Foster, CEO, RECOUP, generated a lot of interest from across the plastics resources and recycling value chain with strong entries received for both categories.

The first winner announced was for the ‘Best Development or Innovation to enhance recyclability or re-use‘ award which was presented to Berry Global with their Paint container recycling programme. Berry Global overcame the problem of recycling residual paint containers by partnering up with Paint360 to devise a circular partnership which combined paint and packaging recovery with recycling.

The winner of the second award for ‘Recycled Plastic Product of the Year’ was presented to Beko, for their recycled plastic washing machine tub. Stuart Foster, CEO, RECOUP commented “Not only did the entry prove to increase the recycled content by replacing some PP and fibreglass with recycled PET flakes and reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumptions with its patented production method, but the product is scalable to use not only across washing machines, but also tumble dryers and some dishwashers. The market scale was the most impressive aspect of this entry.”

The surprise Chairman’s award, presented by Jim Armstrong, Chairman, at RECOUP was awarded to recognise an individual outside of RECOUP and the Board who has enabled the organisation to fulfil their aims of driving forward plastics recycling and resource management through dedicating their time, knowledge and support. The award was presented to Francesca Hawes, MRF Operations Manager, Amey.

Stuart Foster, CEO, RECOUP continued “There were quite a few nominations from the team for this Chairman’s award, but the standout was someone who really went the extra mile, not just over the last 12 months, but over the last few years.  Fran Hawes from Amey has been instrumental in improving packaging recyclability through facilitating sorting and technology trials and tests and is well deserving of this award.”

Francesca Hawes, MRF Operations Manager, at Amey, commented “Supporting RECOUP and their members by testing new packaging designs in the practical setting of Waterbeach MRF over the last 5 years has been a joy. Seeing the innovative designs that come through gives me great hope that the entire packaging chain is actively challenging the status quo and will be successful in fulfilling ambitious goals to achieve true circularity.”

Don’t miss out on submitting an entry to the RECOUP annual awards next year. The deadline will be announced in due course.

Supporting photo: From left to right, Stuart Foster, CEO, RECOUP, Francesca Hawes, MRF Operations Manager, Amey, Andrew Mullen, Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Beko PLC, Jamie Riley, Sustainability Lead, Berry Superfos, Jim Armstrong, Chairman, RECOUP

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS SET QUALITY STANDARD FOR RECYCLED PLASTIC

The Environmental Services Association, with support from the British Plastics Federation (BPF), Recycling Association and RECOUP, has today (29/09/2022) published a defined quality standard for post-consumer recycled plastics, with the aim of driving consistent standards across the sector.

The Quality Standard for Recycled Plastics, published today, was drafted by the ESA in consultation with the aforementioned organisations as well as ESA members. The clearly-defined standard applies to materials destined for export and goes beyond existing regulatory compliance requirements, building on best practice to help drive up the quality of baled post-consumer plastic materials.

The position of the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is that materials should be substantially free of contamination. However, neither organisation defines a percentage limit for contamination and this has, in the past, resulted in subjective judgements being disputed.

While the Quality Standard does not replace the regulatory position or requirements of regulators, which will remain in place, the document provides evidence of a clear, objective, commercial baseline standard agreed by organisations across the post-consumer value chain (ie sellers and buyers). This standard will ensure consistency of quality and sets a benchmark for all operators to adhere to – something which ESA members agree to phase in within the next twelve months.

This includes the collection and review of inspection and monitoring data, which will be used to develop and refine the standard over time – ensuring it remains fit for purpose. The Quality Standard for Recycled Plastic builds upon the ESA’s Standard for Responsible Export, released in 2020, and work is currently underway to create widely agreed commercial standards for other secondary materials.

Executive Director of the ESA, Jacob Hayler, said: “Setting and delivering high standards for the sector is a strategic priority for the ESA and, by establishing a clear, objective, quality standard, we hope to bring consistency to output quality and provide a useful reference tool for both sellers and buyers of this material – supporting a market that remains vital to the UK’s circular economy.”

Senior Recycling Issues Executive at the British Plastics Federation, Helen Jordan, said: “Understanding the quality of material is key for the development of a circular economy and for effective plastic recycling to take place. The BPF supported the development of this quality standard for bales of plastic as it is essential that material destined overseas can be efficiently recycled. An aim within the BPF’s Recycling Roadmap was to eliminate the export of low-quality material and identifying and developing this standard is a step towards achieving this.”

Simon Ellin from the Recycling Association, said: “We are delighted to be part of a trade association partnership that has delivered a workable standard that all sectors of the industry can adopt. A key weakness in our day-to-day operations is the absence of tangible standards, but the standard we have now produced will not only help to improve quality, but should also facilitate clearer regulation, reduce risk and encourage investment.”

Stuart Foster, CEO of RECOUP, said: “RECOUP has published and supported a number of bale specification documents over the years to try and encourage good practices. The opportunity to bring together previous guidance and support the development of a new relevant collaborative specifications document with the ESA, underpinned by practical current market requirements, was too good an opportunity to miss. We encourage the sector to make use of the new quality standards which will ensure the recycled plastic market demand and supply specifications are aligned.”

RECOUP HIGHLIGHT HOW SUPPLY CHAIN COLLABORATION CAN SOLVE RECYCLABILITY CHALLENGES

Plastics Recycling charity, RECOUP, in their recent work highlight one aspect of the plastics value chain which is often forgotten: The product manufacturer who uses the packaging is a key link in the supply chain.

RECOUP has launched a Case Study of work that it has been quietly conducted between pack manufacturer, packer-filler, and retailer with the aim of improving the recyclability of meat packaging.   The work highlights the work Pilgrim’s UK have carried out with the guidance and direction of the Co-op and assistance from packaging supplier, Klockner Pentaplast.   The study demonstrates and gives an example of the improvement of meat packaging recyclability through changing to a Mono rPET base film without a PE sealing layer as a packaging solution.

Paul East, Head of Packaging, Recycling and Design at RECOUP commented “This work highlights the knowledge and hard work which exists behind the scenes and also help others along the same path and how with a little collaboration across the value chain much can be achieved for the benefit of all.”

RECOUP has been guiding their members for over 30 years on how the basic pack design principles can be incorporated to ensure that packs, when placed for recycling, can be sorted, captured, and reprocessed to promote a circular economy.

It is envisaged that this issue will be keenly debated at the RECOUP Conference on Thursday 29th September.   Registrations can be made both for the Conference and pre-conference dinner at http://www.recoup.org.  

RECOUP WELCOME LAUNCH OF REBOUND PLASTIC EXCHANGE

Stuart Foster, CEO of RECOUP said: “We welcome Rebound’s extremely thorough plastic specification standards, essential to achieve quality which enables recycling to be done in an effective and ethical way and develop a universal standard for plastics to be traded on an international scale. These standards are extensive but easy to follow, and they promise to be a great start to ensure that material is compliant with shipment criteria such as the recent changes to the Basel Convention and EU shipping regulations.

“The ongoing challenges and questions that face us all are many – this is matched by the fundamental shift in attitude towards improved long-term use of plastic resources and the development of circular economy models. These specifications help to bridge the gap between the known limitations of recycling infrastructure, and the need for responsible exports to achieve higher recycling rates and targets in both developed and developing markets.”

Read the full Rebound press release here: Click Here

RECYCLING COST PRESSURES HIGHLIGHTED BY RECOUP

Plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP, highlight that their annual Conference on Thursday 29th September at KingsGate Conference Centre, Peterborough, will provide a platform to discuss the pressures currently felt by UK reprocessors and manufacturers in terms of rising costs and lack of clarity around extended producer responsibility and other associated policies.

The event which attracts close to 500 delegates is to be moderated by author and journalist, Tom Heap.  Heap penned “39 Ways to Save the Planet”, and hosts Sky News’s weekend editions of “The Daily Climate Show”, Radio 4’s “Costing the Earth” as well as being a regular reporter on the BBC’s “Countryfile”, and he is sure to bring his own perspective on environmental pressures and progress towards addressing citizen concerns.

Mike Baxter, External Affairs Director at Berry, said “Berry BPI Recycled Products supports 100% the excellent work RECOUP continues to do promoting and encouraging recycling of plastic packaging in the UK. However, all stakeholders need to realise this will not be easy in the short and medium term, the massive increase in electricity costs puts UK recyclers at a disadvantage. Lack of clarity over the timescales for EPR, together with unanswered questions on future Government legislation is also leading to real concerns with recyclers and collectors.”

RECOUP, through thier work with community groups and citizens, draw attention to the fact that individuals do not generally understand that recycling is normally a commercial enterprise. Confusion arises with the misconception that the recycling costs are already covered by their household Council tax.

Stuart Foster, CEO, RECOUP, commented “a reality check is needed around the impact of significantly increasing costs associated with recovery, transportation and reprocessing of plastics, and other materials. There is more pressure than ever to deliver environmental and circular aspirations, but the economics of re-use and recycling systems must be viable and sustainable, and this is where the right policies and support packages can really help.  RECOUP is really looking forward to hearing what the Conference panelists add to the debate.”

Tickets for the Conference can be booked at www.recoup.org.

Anyone organisation wishing to join RECOUP as a member can find out more details by contacting enquiry@recoup.org.

RECOUP at RWM & Letsrecycle Live

With the new collaboration between RWM & Letsrecycle Live 2022 just over a week away, 12,000 visitors are set to descend on the NEC in Birmingham on 14-15 September 2022 for two action-packed days. Here we look at the top 10 things to do at the show that mean you cannot afford to miss it!

Don’t forget to register for your FREE ticket to gain fast-track entry. Visit https://hubs.la/Q01ls3mD0

Visit RECOUP on stand: R-G243

15th Sep  Packaging Theatre10:45-11:30 Panel: The Outcomes of EPR – featuring Steve Morgan, RECOUP

15th Sep Material Village Theatre 14:30-15:30 Plastic Films & Flexibles – The 5 Year Countdown – Curated by RECOUP

Watch the leaders in the waste and recycling sector face off.

Hear some of the waste and recycling sector’s most influential discuss and debate key opportunities and challenges that are on the horizon. They’ll be discussing the future of the sector, the importance of people within the sector and its contribution to the global economy.

Four Halls and 15,000m2 outdoors of Exhibition

Wander around and take in the sights of more than 500 exhibitors spread across four halls and a brand new enormous outdoor area. This year, the likes of JCB, Dennis Eagle, Enfiniium, Bucher Muniipal, Tomra, Refuse Vehicle Solutions and Faun Zoeller are returning to the NEC for the first time in a number of years. See the full exhibitors here.

CIWM Gala Dinner

The CIWM Gala Dinner is the best place to carry on conversations from the show, or relax and unwind with colleagues. And you’ll have until the early hours to make the most of it. The Gala Dinner takes place at 7pm on 14th September after the first day of RWM.

See the latest machinery and vehicles in a live display!

and witness the latest in material transportation and processing machinery in action. There’s no better place to see new innovation in technology and equipment and compare machines in a like for like environment.

Women in Sustainability

Be inspired, learn and network with like-minded professionals at the annual Women in Sustainability breakfast meeting. The Women in Sustainability is a networking platform for men and women in our industry. Explore factors that can positively influence or constrain a women’s career and work choices and share success stories from within the waste, recycling and sustainability sector.

WISH Conference 

Safety has always been a watchword for the waste industry, whether it is protecting workers and visitors on sites or keeping collection crews safe from harm as they complete their rounds. The WISH Conference and Strategy Workshops are your chance to shape the future of health and safety within the sector. Day two, 09:00 – 15:00. Book your workshop choices here.

Network with more than 12,000 visitors 

Take part in one of a host of exclusive networking events and build lasting relationships. You can see who’s attending by registering for the show and then logging into the visitor portal! You can book appointments with exhibitors and meeting with fellow visitors.

See the sector’s up and coming trailblazers crowned at the 35 under 35 Ceremony

Join the class of 2022 as the full list is announced live on day one in the Future Talent Hub. 35 under 35 is an exciting awards programme that identifies the trail blazers in the waste and recycling industry who are striving for professional excellence, promoting industry innovation, and giving back to his or hers’ company or community.

Grab a drink and some banging street food!  

Get yourself a beer, along with some food from the Street Food Market and soak up the sights of the Paignton throwback – the Inn on the Green. The onsite pub is the place to relax and host informal meetings with clients, peers and friends. Also – get a snap of the mahoosive deck chair.

Meet the Excellence in Innovation Award Winners

Scout out the winners of the Excellence in Innovation Awards – easily identifiable by their floor stickers. The awards celebrate the most innovative products, services or technologies that are making a positive impact on the resource and recycling sector. Open to any business exhibiting or sponsoring at RWM and Letsrecycle Live, winners will receive a floor sticker to promote their success and pre-event promotion of their award.

To register for your free ticket for the show on 14-15 September 2022. Visit https://hubs.la/Q01ls3mD0

To arrange to meet any RECOUP staff please contact enquiry@RECOUP.org or visit R-G243

RECOUP ANNOUNCE PLASTICS RECYCLING AWARDS FINALISTS

RECOUP ANNOUNCE PLASTICS RECYCLING AWARDS FINALISTS

Plastics recycling charity, RECOUP, has always been at the forefront of raising awareness, showcasing innovation, and highlighting the potential for recycled content in products.   For the first time in its 32-year history the organisation is running its own awards to recognise those within the industry who are pushing the boundaries in terms of opportunities for plastic recycled content as well as new ways to improve recyclability and resource efficiency.

Stuart Foster, RECOUP, CEO, stated “Ensuring recyclability of packaging and products, and manufacturing new products with recycled plastics are two key elements of a successful plastic recycling system. With the intention to significantly increase plastic recycling as part of a circular economy model, there is an ongoing need to showcase and promote innovations to increase recyclability, and practical applications of recycled plastics into both closed and open loop products.”

The winners of these hotly contested awards will be announced at the RECOUP Plastics Resource and Recycling Conference, on Thursday 29th September 2022, where all the short-listed entries will be displayed.  The event offers an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate and showcase their commitments to sustainability and plastics resource management.

Best Development or Innovation to Enhance Recyclability or Re-use the finalists are:

• Berry Global – Closed Loop Recycled Paint Containers.
• Greiner Packaging – K3® r100
• PREP Design – Roll ‘n’ Recycle
• Waddington Europe – Hot Fill rPET Containers
• Waste Free Oceans with Partners – Corona beverage crate

Recycled Plastic Product of the Year category the finalists are:

• Beko PLC – Recycled tub washing machine
• Cromwell Polythene – The r.UK sack
• Faerch UK Ltd – Tesco and Faerch deliver tray-to-tray recycling
• Nestlé Waters UK – BUXTON® Natural Mineral Water
• Packamama – Packamama eco-flat wine bottle
• TRANSFORM-CE – Recycled products manufactured from PCR.
• Waste2Wear – I used to be a fridge bag
• Waste Free Oceans and partner DFS, Plastix and Epsotech – Circular Ropes
• Waste Free Oceans and partner Euro Optics – ReFocus Circular Reading glasses and Sun glasses
• Yes Recycling Fife – Ecosheet

Alexander Lee, Commercial Director, Cromwell Polythene commented, “We are delighted to be shortlisted for Recycling Product of the Year at the RECOUP Awards. Our nominated product the r.UK Sack™ exemplifies the mission we set ourselves, to be the cleanest, greenest, most resourceful company in plastics. The r.UK Sack™ is manufactured from 100% recycled content at our Derbyshire manufacturing plant. These bags are an homage to the 3 R’s, Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle and are helping to promote the circular economy of resources in the domestic market.”

Amelia Dales, Commercial Director at Packamama, commented “RECOUP have played an integral part of Packamama’s efforts to ensure that our flat, 100% recycled PET wine bottles are best-in-class for recycled content and recyclability. As such, we are thrilled to be recognised for our continued progress in this area, through being shortlisted for Best Recycled Plastic Product in the RECOUP Plastics Recycling Annual Awards.”

Anthony Peyton, Director, PREP Design commented “We are excited to hear the news of being shortlisted for the RECOUP Awards in recognition of our product development, Roll ‘n’ Recycle. We are genuinely honoured to be recognised by RECOUP and send our best wishes to those who’ve also been shortlisted, which is already a fantastic achievement.”

Eduardo Gomes, Managing Director, Waddington Europe, commented “Waddington Europe are delighted to be shortlisted for our revolutionary product development, Hot Fill PET at the RECOUP Plastics Recycling Annual Awards. The RECOUP conference is the coveted event of the year for the plastics recycling value chain, and we are excited to be attending again in September to learn and catch up with industry friends and colleagues. We wish the best of luck to everyone who has been shortlisted for an award.”

Hayley Lloyd House, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Nestlé Waters UK commented “We are delighted to be shortlisted for the RECOUP Plastics Recycling Annual Awards, recognising our achievement in overcoming the obstacles to make the full range of BUXTON bottles with recycled PET.  Working to close the recycling loop for PET plastic is a huge step forward in our goal to make the circular economy for plastics a reality, reducing the need for new, virgin plastic in our business. We look forward to attending this year’s Conference and hearing more great insights and developments from right across the plastics and recycling value chain.”

Jamie Riley, Sustainability Lead, Berry Superfos, commented “Berry Superfos is delighted to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. Demonstrating plastics’ circularity and its vital role in the circular economy are essential to the continued success of our industry and are a fundamental part of Berry’s Impact 2025 sustainability strategy, where we work with our customers to help them meet and exceed their own sustainability goals.”

Jeroen van der Wind, COO, Waste2Wear, commented “Waste2Wear is honoured to be a finalist in the RECOUP Plastic Recycling Awards for our innovative bags made from recycled polypropylene taken from discarded fridges and other old domestic appliances. Every piece of recycled plastic counts. We look forward to attending the awards and celebrating other companies doing business for good.”

Omer Kutluoglu, Co-Owner, Yes Recycling Group commented, “Yes Recycling Fife is honoured to be chosen as a shortlisted business for the RECOUP Plastics Recycling Annual Awards. Our product Ecosheet, developed and produced in Fife, Scotland, is an alternative to plywood, creating a sustainable resource; we thank RECOUP for this recognition. Good luck to all the other shortlisted businesses; being part of such a group is fantastic.”

Prof. Craig Banks, Principal Investigator for TRANSFORM-CE commented, “The TRANSFORM-CE team are so pleased to hear that their ‘recycled products manufactured from post-consumer, single-use plastic waste using additive manufacturing and intrusion-extrusion moulding’ have been shortlisted for the Recycled Plastic Product of the Year award at the RECOUP Plastics Resource and Recycling Conference 2022! We’re looking forward to attending this prestigious event and celebrating all of the innovations and achievements within the plastics recycling industry with the other shortlisted candidates and attendees.”

Rachel Sheldon, UK & Ireland Sustainability and Innovation Manager, Greiner Packaging commented “Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland is delighted to be shortlisted for the RECOUP Plastics Recycling Annual Awards in recognition of our product development, K3® r100: the self-separating cup. Our K3® cardboard-plastic solution is one of the most sustainable packaging solutions on the market, and K3® r100 ensures materials are separated before they reach the near-infrared detection (NIR) system at the recycling facility, leading to proper detection, sorting, and recycling. We are very much looking forward to attending the conference and awards in September, good luck to all those shortlisted!”

Teresa Arbuckle, Managing Director, Beko PLC commented, “Beko PLC is thrilled to be shortlisted in the RECOUP Plastic Recycling Awards for our recycled PET washing machine tubs.  It’s vital that manufacturers find innovative ways to use the range of plastic coming from recycling plants, reducing our reliance on virgin raw materials and moving to a truly circular economy.  These awards shine a spotlight on what can be achieved through creative thinking and prioritising investment in R&D.  We congratulate all those who are nominated. “