Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I invests £6m in sustainability makeover for Lucozade Energy

News
Posted: 15/05/2025

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I invests £6m in sustainability makeover for Lucozade Energy

New bottle design will save 956 tonnes of plastic annually, enhance recyclability and support the circular economy.

14th May 2025, Coleford, UK: Lucozade producer Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) has invested £6.3 million in a major packaging redesign for Lucozade Energy bottles, significantly reducing plastic use and supporting the efficient recycling of its bottles.

Lucozade Energy bottles will now feature a half sleeve that covers just 50% of the bottle height compared to previous full-length sleeves. This results in a 60% reduction in the total sleeve weight, removing 956 tonnes of new plastic per year. The changes also reduce water use during production, equivalent to an Olympic-sized swimming pool every 289 days.

The project involved installing new sleeves with the latest technology across three different production lines in SBF GB&I’s factory in Coleford. The work took a collective 470 working days, delivered in only six weeks.

Karl Ottomar, Supply Chain Director, SBF GB&I, comments: “As one of the biggest energy brands in the UK, producing over 3,000 bottles of Lucozade Energy per minute, this has been a complex and large-scale change for our factory. While reducing a drink’s sleeve size may sound simple, it has required a full redesign of the bottle and complete change in componentry on our production lines. The team have dedicated thousands of hours to plan and then successfully implement the changes on our lines and I’m so proud of their incredible commitment to this project and helping us meet our sustainability goals.”

Fraser McIntosh, Head of External Affairs and Sustainability, SBF GB&I comments: “This change marks a significant step forward in our journey towards achieving 100% sustainable plastic packaging across our portfolio by 2030. At a time when we face increasing cost pressures as a business, we continue to prioritise sustainability, demonstrating our company value of Growing for Good. It’s another major investment in our factory, helping to build a sustainable future for our brands and the home where they are made.”

The changes are also important for the recyclability of Lucozade Energy bottles as the reduced sleeve continues to support bottle to bottle recycling. It ensures the bottle can be sorted into the clear plastics stream at recycling facilities allowing it to be recovered to create new bottles again.

Paul East, Head of Packaging Recycling and Design at RECOUP endorses the move: “RECOUP are proud to have been part of the journey to redesign the Lucozade Energy bottle. This new design meets recyclability guidelines, meaning the bottles can be easily sorted at recycling centres and reduces the amount of overall plastic produced. The next step is to encourage more consumers to dispose of the bottles correctly, in the certainty that the bottle will be detected and recycled.”

This latest project is not only important for SBF GB&I’s sustainable packaging commitments but also its emission reduction targets and journey to net zero. Packaging accounts for 15.5% of the company’s Scope 3 emissions and a removal of 956 tonnes of plastic a year helps towards its goal of reducing these emissions by 30% by 2030.

The packaging evolution for Lucozade Energy follows similar changes to the sleeve length made to Ribena bottles in 2020 and Lucozade Sport in 2021. SBF GB&I has invested a total of £11.3m over five years to support the development of its sustainable packaging as it collaborates with industry to achieve a circular economy for plastics, work that includes advocating for and delivering a DRS in the UK by October 2027.

The new Lucozade Energy bottles will also feature a new ergonomic embossed design showcasing Lucozade’s iconic “Arc” logo, enhancing both brand recognition and bottle texture. The new bottles are now rolling out in store.

The RECOUP Summit – A Resounding Success

News
Posted: 15/05/2025

The RECOUP Summit – A Resounding Success

The inaugural RECOUP Summit, sponsored by WRAP and Ecosurety, held on the 30 April in Leeds, was a resounding success. It reconfirmed the need for more innovation and collaboration with industry and government support to ensure we deliver on the promise of a plastic circular economy. Focused on developments in technology that will help to drive improvements in the plastics recycling and resource efficiency value chain, the event hosted attendees from across the plastics value chain with an exciting line up of speakers based across focused breakout rooms in the morning and a collaborative session in the afternoon.

 

The morning kicked off with a focused session on advanced recycling technologies, where speakers including Geoff Brighty from Mura Technology,  Emmeline Aves of ReVentas, and Sam Pine from Greyparrot, shared tangible examples of innovation transforming the sector and facilitating the circular economy. Hearing about a variety of available solutions including low carbon dissolution recycling, scalable chemical recycling approaches and AI-based waste intelligence tools the message was clear: technology is available now – but its deployment depends on supportive infrastructure, policy alignment, and commercial investment.

Another breakout session zeroed in on food contact packaging, exploring how innovation is enhancing recycled content in high end applications. Speakers for this session included Jeremy Blake from Amcor, David Bargery from Regis Machinery, and Paul Marshall from Nextek, who highlighted the industry’s regulatory, legislative, and cost hurdles. The session honed in on solutions for producing food grade recycled polypropylene (PP), the removal of contaminants from recycled materials and solutions for converting films back into food-grade material.. This session made it clear that with the right technologies and collaborative effort, we can break down existing barriers taking higher levels of food contact recycled content from aspiration to reality.

In the final breakout session, the conversation turned to the role of data in the circular economy  – its power, its gaps, and its role in delivering a true circular economy. Sophie Walker from Dsposal, Rachel Warren from Re-universe, and Will Addy from Polytag, came together to highlight the need for good data, stressing how upcoming legislation and new targets require data from the sector to benchmark delivery and progress. It was very apparent throughout the session that inefficient data gathering systems and inaccurate data can hamper progress, however, with effective and accurate data we can make better and more informed choices that play a huge role in delivering a circular economy for plastics and packaging materials.

The day culminated in a dynamic collaborative session led by Robbie Staniforth (Ecosurety), where panellists including Liz Wildman (MARS), Steve Walsh (TOMRA), James Donaldson (Sortology), Angela Doyle (Robinson Packaging), and Paul Mayhew (MBA Polymers). The panel tackled some of the sector’s thorniest issues: infrastructure gaps, technical limitations, greenwashing, and the reality of consumer engagement. The panel called for smarter packaging design, investment into system resilience, and the need to make recycled plastics commercially viable. However, it was also noted that real progress requires more than individual action, reinforcing the importance of joined-up action across industry, government, and innovators, backed by clear policy signals, targeted funding, and infrastructure investment. If we come together to bridge gaps and technical challenges across industry we can allow the plastic circular economy to flourish.

 

The RECOUP Summit underscored the critical need for aligned innovation, policy, and investment to drive meaningful progress in plastics recycling and the circular economy. By bringing together voices from across the value chain, the event not only highlighted current challenges but also showcased tangible solutions already shaping the future. As collaboration deepens between stakeholders, and with continued support from government and industry alike, we move closer to realising a truly circular and sustainable system for plastics.

Recyclability Assessment Methodology

News
Posted: 08/05/2025

Recyclability Assessment Methodology

Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) – Introduction

The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) will evaluate packaging to ensure that it can be recycled and transformed into new products. All packaging that is placed on the UK market and reported as household waste in 2025 will be reviewed using details on the RAM. From 2026, modulated fees will be applied accordingly to each packaging format.

Packaging will be rated as either green, amber or red. Green suggest that the packaging has a recognised path for collection, sorting and recycling and will have lower fees applied than less recyclable materials, which will be rated amber or red. Producers will need to report their data from October 2025 with fees being applied from 2026 onwards.

 

RAM v1.1  – Observations

Following work and consultations during 2024, an initial draft copy of the RAM was released in December 2024. At this point, DEFRA listened to some of the comments from RECOUP, from RECOUP members, and from other organisations.

There then followed an initial launch to trade bodies of a draft final version on 8th April 2025, then the most recent version of the DEFRA Ram was released on 28th April 2025. Comparing the most recent releases; no significant changes to anything in the ‘plastics’ sections, from the draft version 1.1 which we had seen, and the final 28 April version. Minor changes include the removal of the ‘boxes’ around the items marked for ‘2025 assessment’, which now form part of the main text.

However, there are more than a few outstanding queries and questions, which we have communicated to DEFRA, on the latest version.

One pressing issue is the materials or combinations which have been removed from the RAM for ‘2025 assessment’. This means that the following are now deemed acceptable: the comparison is with RECOUP Recyclability By Design guidelines (RBD) for plastic packaging recyclability:

 

Attached label or sleeve over 40% (bottle) 60% (PTTs) of surface area

  • Amber in RBD

 PET trays with PE seal layer

  • Red in RBD

 HDPE items with fillers eg. Talc, CaCO3

  • Red in RBD

 Attached labels or sleeves comprised of paper

  • Amber in RBD

Of the comments submitted by RECOUP following the initial ‘version 1’, we were pleased that DEFRA accepted some RECOUP recommendations, including;

 

–              RAM classifies any PET pot/tub/tray with anti-blocking agents as amber – rendering basically any tray manufacturers entire portfolio as amber!

RECOUP shows de-nest in Green column, Anti-block in centre column. Anti-block in the masterbatch is acceptable. We have a statement to this effect written for us by Faerch.

This instruction was removed from RAM v1.1

 

–              RAM states “if an item of packaging or component contains any of the following it is classified as red: attached label adhesives which are not removable in an 80°C hot wash”

This is too generalised. Protocols show different polymers react differently. For example: PET Bottles recommendation is 70°C – 90°C. For flexibles, both PP and PE, the recommendation is 40°C.

This instruction was removed from RAM v1.1

 

However, outstanding queries as yet unanswered by DEFRA include;

 

Flexible

–              Specific barrier layers (SiOx, AlOx etc.) removed from ‘red’ list. Although OK in small quantities, this omission may result in higher quantity used, which the recycling industry may find difficult to cope with. The list of barrier layers needs some research but should be re-introduced, possibly as ‘Amber’ with a note concerning maximum quantity.

–              Polyolefin film – minimum 80% PO mono- reduced from minimum 90% PO mono. “Any….. below this threshold are classified as red.” No indication of the % required for classifying as ‘green’ or classifying as ‘amber’

 

Rigid

–              ‘Inks that bleed’ removed. This is a fundamental of all recyclability guidelines. We are aware of new technology – washable inks – in development; is this the reason?

 

 

Conclusion

We are unsure where DEFRA obtained information to make some of the changes. This obviously did not come from the recycling industry.

RECOUP remain open to discussion with DEFRA regarding the queries above. We talk with both The BPF and OPRL regularly to ensure we are in agreement.

 

 

Recyclability Guidelines

The RAM does not replace recyclability guidelines. The RAM was written as an instrument to enable fees to be charged for packaging.

 

RBD is produced by talking to members; and accept the advice from recyclers on what happens now. This is what makes it different to other instruments which look at what might happen with new ‘state of the art’ equipment in a few years.

 

For any help or advice please contact Paul East at paul.east@recoup.org

New Categories Announced for The RECOUP Awards 2025 – Submit Your Entries Now!       

Events
Posted: 05/03/2025

New Categories Announced for The RECOUP Awards 2025 – Submit Your Entries Now!       

Entries are now open for The RECOUP Awards 2025, recognising outstanding achievements in plastics resource efficiency and recycling, contributing towards a more circular plastics value chain. With new categories added for 2025, the awards aim to recognise and celebrate the innovative and inspiring projects and initiatives that have helped to drive the industry forward and lead to a more sustainable future.

The awards are FREE to enter with entries welcome from all relevant organisations and individuals looking to be recognised for their work and initiatives under the following award categories:

  • Plastics Industry Champion
  • Plastics Circularity Project of the Year
  • Best Innovation in Equipment or Technology
  • Best Plastic Product Development for Recyclability or Re-Use
  • Recycled Plastic Product of the Year

To find out more about the awards categories and apply for the awards, please visit the RECOUP website https://www.recoup.org/recoup-awards-2025/ and complete the entry form by the 27 June 2025 deadline. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact RECOUP at enquiry@recoup.org . The winners will be announced at The RECOUP Awards Ceremony and Networking Dinner on Wednesday 24 September, at the Holiday Inn Peterborough – West. Spaces for the dinner are limited with tickets already on sale through the RECOUP website https://www.recoup.org/recoup-awards-2025/ .

The RECOUP Awards Ceremony and Networking Dinner is followed by The RECOUP Conference on Thursday 25 September with sponsors including WRAP and Ecosurety. Registrations are now open for the day-long event, once again being held at Kingsgate Conference Centre, Peterborough.  Attracting hundreds of delegates each year The RECOUP Conference draws together stakeholders, NGOs, Local and National Government bodies and organisations from across the plastics and wider sustainability value chain, to network, share best practice, and get the latest updates from the plastics value chain.

Attendance remains FREE to members, with early-bird discounts available to non-members for a limited time only. To book your ticket for The RECOUP Conference please visit the RECOUP website, https://www.recoup.org/news-events/the-recoup-conference-2025/.

Sponsorship packages are still available for both the awards and conference, offering organisations an invaluable opportunity to showcase their products and services in front of the most influential people in the plastics resource and recycling value chain. For more information about sponsorship packages, contact RECOUP Events and Membership Manager, Rebecca Davis, rebecca.davis@RECOUP.org

RECOUP officially launches the Seabin in Peterborough!

News
Posted: 13/02/2025

RECOUP officially launches the Seabin in Peterborough!

On Tuesday 11th February, our Seabin was officially launched by the Mayor of Peterborough, Marco Cereste, on the River Nene at the RailWorld Wildlife Haven.

It was attended by guests from the Peterborough Little Wombles, the City Council, representative for the local MP, Sam Carling, and by one of the funders and RECOUP member, Viridor.

Steve Morgan appeared on live radio on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and gave interviews for BBC Look East and Peterborough Telegraph.

The Seabin is part of RECOUP’s Litter Composition & Pathways Project, which is looking at using different approaches and technologies to understand the composition of litter, by building a comprehensive litter composition data set with the aim to provide evidence-based interventions to reduce litter pollution.

The focus of the project has been to analyse land-based litter, and the Seabin activity focusses on litter in an aquatic environment.

A Seabin is a floating bin that sits just below the water surface. It has a pump that draws in the water from a large radius which skims material off the top of the surface of the water and recovers it before it sinks.

There are two aims for the Seabin activity. One is to remove litter material at source, but another is to analyse the recovered material to understand what’s in it, including the presence of microplastics.

Guests were able to see the Seabin on the jetty and take part in a litter pick around the Seabin’s location to help clean up the local area.

We would like to thank all the guests for joining us on a cold and rainy morning to celebrate the launch, and for funding from Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) and RECOUP members Viridor, McDonalds and Ocado, to make it happen.

The Peterborough Telegraph article is here

The RECOUP Summit: The Challenge of Future Advancements

Events
Posted: 21/01/2025

The RECOUP Summit: The Challenge of Future Advancements

Focusing on developments in technology that will help to drive improvements in the plastics recycling and resource efficiency value chain, The RECOUP Summit is a new event on the RECOUP calendar. Sponsored by WRAP and Ecosurety, The RECOUP Summit takes place on 30 April 2025 at Horizon in Leeds, consisting of focused breakout rooms in the morning followed by a collaborative session in the afternoon, and plenty of time for networking. With an exciting line up of speakers already announced the day is set to see many insightful discussions taking place – it really is an event not to be missed!

 

Attendees can choose between the following breakout sessions:

  • Understanding the Role of Data in the Circular Economy 

This session will examine the importance of data collection in advancing the circular economy, highlighting the function of accurate data in helping deliver the changes that are needed. Looking at how different technologies can add value , whether that is for waste tracking or reuse systems.

Speakers:

Sophie Walker, CEO & Co-Founder, Dsposal

Rachel Warren, CEO, re-universe

Will Addy, Chief Commercial Officer, Polytag

 

  • The Role of Technology in Advancing Recycling Processes 

Technological innovations are profoundly changing the recycling sector. This session will explore the effects of chemical recycling and advancements in technology that are transforming the recycling industry.

Speakers:

Dr Geoff Brighty, Head of Sustainability, Mura Technology

Emmeline Aves, Commercial Manager, ReVentas

Samuel Pine, Head of Customer Delivery, Greyparrot

 

  • Food Contact Packaging – Technology Solutions for the Future

Food contact plastic packaging plays a crucial role in enhancing the recycled content in high end applications. This session will explore possibilities and innovations in this space.

Speakers:

Jeremy Blake, Director of Circular Economy, Berry Global

David Bargery, Managing Director, Regis Machinery

Professor Edward Kosior, CEO & Founder, Nextek Ltd

 

Rebecca Davis, RECOUP’s Membership & Events Manager, comments “With the continued success of The RECOUP Conference and the reoccurring demand for more in depth discussions on technological developments, The RECOUP Summit will bring together a variety of high calibre speakers from the industry. Focusing on three important areas, The RECOUP Summit provides an invaluable opportunity to hear the latest insights and help shape the future of technological advancement in the recycling and resource efficiency value chain”

 

Tickets for The RECOUP Summit are limited to only 40 spaces per session! To view the full agenda and book your ticket, please visit the RECOUP website https://www.recoup.org/news-events/the-recoup-summit/. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact RECOUP at enquiry@recoup.org.

RECOUP UK Plastic Packaging Collection Survey Outlines “Monumental” Challenge

News
Posted: 17/12/2024

RECOUP UK Plastic Packaging Collection Survey Outlines “Monumental” Challenge

Plastic resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP, has launched its annual UK Household Plastic Packaging Collection Survey, which has outlined the monumental scale of the challenge ahead.

Whilst there have been incremental improvements across the board for kerbside service provision for plastic packaging, the scale to include other formats in collection services in a relatively short timescale is unprecedented, but one that is entirely achievable with the right drive, funding, planning and leadership.

With all UK local authorities collecting plastic bottles as part of their kerbside service in 2019, local authorities providing kerbside service provision for plastic pots, tubs and trays increased from 88% to 89% and 12% to 14% for plastic films and flexibles, the first increase after 6 consecutive years of decline. This means another 39 local authorities need to collect plastic pots, tubs and trays and 312 for plastic films and flexibles by March 2027 to comply with requirements – just over 2 years away.

Consistency of Inconsistency in Citizen Communications

Effective communications to citizens are an essential part of this process, and whilst local authorities are making significant efforts – 60% reporting they have an ongoing or continuous citizen communication campaign about plastic packaging recycling – packaging EPR funding needs to strengthen the resources to delivery these campaigns. The 2024 Survey found local authorities reported an average material reject rate of 14%, and helping to deal with issues such as contamination will be pivotal.

However, although Simpler Recycling in England and similar approaches in other nations will provide consistency of what can be placed for recycling, the 2024 Survey found there is a comprehensive inconsistency in messaging across the UK, both in the language used and instructions given.

For example, when looking at plastic bottle lids, 40% of local authorities ask for citizens to leave lids on bottles but 13% ask for them to be left off. 12% listed lids as separate target items, however, did not specify if they should be left on the bottle or not, 5% said that they can be either on or off the bottle, and the remaining 30% do not provide any guidance.

Other examples of instructions to residents will need to be adjusted to fit new policy requirements. 54% of local authorities ask for plastic bottles to be flattened or squashed, but with a DRS planned to be implemented in October 2027, this message might cause confusion as it is likely plastic bottles shouldn’t be presented in this way in a deposit return system.

The biggest common message is 85% specifying that items should be empty, rinsed and/or washed, with 53% asking for items to be disposed of loose and not bagged.

Steve Morgan, Head of Policy & Infrastructure at RECOUP, said: “Whereas the different instructions need to reflect local sorting and processing requirements, it’s in the benefits of consumers and all stakeholders to have simple, consistent national communications messages about how to present plastics for recycling. Packaging EPR and Deposit Return Schemes, through their respective Scheme Administrator and Deposit Management Organisation leadership, should build on the requirements of Simpler Recycling and provide the foundations and influence to enable one unified core set of messages about how to recycle.”.

Impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

Another key finding around communications in the 2024 RECOUP Survey wasn’t to residents but around local authority funding. With the focus on packaging EPR to provide the funding to collect and sort packaging, the impact of another policy needs greater awareness and urgent and robust plans to mitigate its impact.

The ETS is a market-driven mechanism that limits the emissions an involved industry is allowed to produce, with the intention to incentivise the development and uptake of decarbonisation technologies or practices to reduce emissions. The scheme is expanding to include waste incineration and energy from waste from 2028, preceded by a 2-year transitional period from 2026, and will significantly impact the dynamics of local authority funding. To reduce this impact, removing plastic packaging from residual waste will be key.

The 2024 RECOUP Survey found that around a third of local authorities (32%) said they were not aware of the upcoming expansion of ETS and its impact on incineration and energy recovery of local authority waste. Furthermore, when asked how prepared they felt for the changes to ETS on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being not prepared at all, and 10 being fully prepared), 37% gave a score of 3 or below, indicating they do not feel confident about how it will operate. Only 12% gave a 7 or higher with no local authorities giving a score of 10.

The 2024 RECOUP UK Household Plastic Packaging Collection Survey report is available for RECOUP members to download, with the Data Summary available for non-members here.

 

RECOUP Updates Recyclability by Design Guidelines Amid Rising Compliance Costs and Financial Impact of Extended Producer Responsibility

News
Posted: 28/11/2024

RECOUP Updates Recyclability by Design Guidelines Amid Rising Compliance Costs and Financial Impact of Extended Producer Responsibility

Following its original release in 2006, RECOUP, the UK’s leading independent authority and trusted voice on plastics resource efficiency and recycling, has regularly updated its flagship publication, Recyclability by Design (RBD). The latest update comes at a critical time for packaging recyclability with the impending increase of compliance costs associated with Extended Producer Responsibility. There is now a positive financial driver to make packaging fully recyclable and to progress circular economy ambitions. The financial implications of not adhering to recyclability standards, such as those set out by RECOUP, will significantly increase compliance costs and lowers organisations’ sustainability credentials.

 

RECOUP’s Head of Packaging Recycling and Design, Paul East, commented; “RBD is a reminder of the importance of designing for recycling, when making decisions, as well as for marketing and brand recognition. By using the recommendations within RBD, you will be ensuring that your plastic packaging is given the best chance to be recycled in line with upcoming legislation.”

 

RECOUP has worked tirelessly to promote the core principles and good practice in pack design that give plastics packaging a greater chance of being recycled within the existing UK infrastructure, with RBD offering guidelines to help Packaging Technologists and Buyers ensure that their plastic is presented in the best way possible to the recycling chain.

 

There are continuous changes to recycling processes technology, and innovation continues in the packaging industry to help alleviate some of the challenges faced by recyclers.  With valuable contributions from RECOUP members and colleagues from across the industry, RBD is agile and is continuously reviewed and updated to reflect these changes, including updated polymer-specific recyclability tables.

 

The updated Recyclability by Design guidance is available to view on the RECOUP website.

RECOUP Calls for a more Effective Plastic Packaging Tax

News
Posted: 17/10/2024

RECOUP Calls for a more Effective Plastic Packaging Tax

Plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP, has called for a more effective Plastic Packaging Tax in its new position statement.

As of April 2024, the tax is applied at a cost of £217.85 per tonne for plastic packaging placed on the UK market that is not claimed to contain 30% recycled content. However, there have been a number of issues identified during the two years the tax has been in place.

An unintended consequence of the Plastic Packaging Tax is happening right now.

The Plastic Packaging Tax was set up as an ‘environmental tax’, but there have been many examples of where packaging claims to meet 30% recycled content to avoid paying the tax – with some examples either not being technically possible or cleverly using the term ‘pre-consumer’ material that might not actually have any recycled content at all.

Simply put, claims of recycled content is not being sufficiently verified or enforced, particularly for packaging (filled and unfilled) that is imported into the UK.

Calls for the cost or 30% percentage of the tax are not sufficient to incentivise use of recycled content, but if these increase without proper enforcement, false claims of recycled content will inevitably also increase, and UK recyclers could further struggle in already acutely challenging commercial conditions.

Steve Morgan, Head of Policy & Infrastructure at RECOUP said: “An incentive to include recycled content, even if it has to be a tax, is a force for good as long as it’s properly enforced. However, the UK imports around half the plastic packaging it places onto the market, and this includes packaging with claims of recycled content.

“Lack of enforcement is increasingly making the UK recyclers commercially unviable due to having to compete with cheap imports of virgin packaging and packaging with recycled content from countries with significantly lower cost base and greater access to material.

If these false claims, particularly from imported material continue, we could see a collapse of the plastic packaging recycling system in the UK as we know it, and urgent action is needed.”

Lack of enforcement also means HMRC are losing revenue for an unknown quantity of packaging that does not contain 30% recycled content. That revenue, of course, is leaving our recycling systems, and an opportunity remains to align with packaging EPR and include recycled content as part of the eco-modulation framework, and thus incorporating a more holistic environmental impact of the packaging. Revenue like this for including recycled content, if ring fenced for the reprocessing sector, would provide game changing technical strengthening and ultimately commercial transformation for UK plastic packaging recyclers.

With packaging EPR and the Plastic Packaging Tax there are significantly increased administrative burdens on producers and users of plastic packaging. Any use of an enforcement and verification framework will have an impact on producers and users of plastic packaging and changes should ensure, as much as possible, that no avoidable burdens are placed on these businesses.

RECOUP also calls for an urgent review and overhaul of the Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) system to provide a more stable, commercially supportive and modulated PRN for plastic packaging formats where targeted funding is needed the most.

RECOUP’s new position statement, Considerations & Recommendations for a more Effective Plastic Packaging Tax can be downloaded here.

Winners Announced for The 2024 RECOUP Awards

Events
Posted: 01/10/2024

Winners Announced for The 2024 RECOUP Awards

 

After receiving a record number of entries showcasing the amazing work being done throughout the plastics value chain in the areas of re-use, recycling and re-design, RECOUP have announced the winners of this years awards. Taking place the evening before the highly anticipated RECOUP Conference, the awards generated a lot of interest from across the plastics resources and recycling value chain with strong entries received for all categories.

 

Presented by Stuart Foster, CEO at RECOUP, the first winner announced was for the ‘Best Innovation in Equipment or Technology’ award which was presented to Polytag and Ocado Retail for their Rewards for Recycling initiative. This initiative encourages recycling by giving Ocado customers the opportunity to claim 20p rewards for recycling their own-brand two and four-pint milk bottles by using Polytags QR codes.

 

The winner of the second award for ‘Best Plastic Product Development for Recyclability or Re-Use’ was presented to Berry Global for their partnership with Abel & Cole, a pioneer in sustainable food delivery, to supply bottles for its Club Zero Refillable Milk delivery service. The new polypropylene (PP) bottles can be refilled up to 16 times before being recycled, reducing the carbon footprint of single-use milk bottles by half.

 

The third winner announced was for the ‘Recycled Plastic Product of the Year’ award which was presented to Morph Bricks Ltd. This is a closed loop modular construction system turning plastic waste into fully adaptable furniture and fit-out solutions that can be repurposed and re-engineered multiple times.

 

Nominated by the team at RECOUP, the Award of Recognition went to Jim Armstrong, Chairman of the RECOUP Board. Jim has provided help and support across many different activities within the team and for RECOUP members over the past year. His unwavering passion in the pursuit of plastic circularity in the UK and internationally is recognised by many.

 

The RECOUP Awards was followed by the RECOUP Conference.  Throughout the day a number of speakers identified that many of the challenges and opportunities are well understood and we now collectively have to move forward within the context of new policy developments and environmental expectations both in the UK and globally. There was also agreement that things aren’t happening fast enough, and the value chain really needs to work together to make progress quicker and better than previously. The role of the consumer was also a common theme throughout the day, both in terms of their role in delivering change, and in how we bring them on the sustainable plastic journey.

 

Stuart Foster, CEO of RECOUP, commented “With continued focus on the policy and practical aspects of plastics and wider climate and sustainability issues, the day was genuinely interesting and very timely around a range of priority areas. Once again the RECOUP conference and dinner was a resounding success, I would like to thank all the speakers, delegates, exhibitors, and awards entrants for their involvement and support.”

 

Congratulations to the award winners and thank you to the judges and all the entries this year. We need more innovation and development to get us to where we need to be and create a more sustainable future, don’t miss out on submitting an entry next year, the application process alongside dinner and conference details will be announced in due course.