UK Plastics Pact

WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), together with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, launched The UK Plastics Pact in April 2018. It is supported by DEFRA (Department for Food and Rural Affairs) and led by WRAP.

[edit] Background

Despite previous years of progress, the overall recycling rate of plastic packaging in the UK has declined between 2020 and 2021. This is driven by several factors: while the amount of plastic packaging recycled in the UK has increased, the amount exported has fallen even further, so the total quantity recycled has gone down overall. In addition, the amount of plastic packaging placed on the market between 2020 and 2021 has increased. Significant investment in UK recycling is required, particularly as export markets become less reliable.

[edit] Aims and targets

The aims of the UK Plastics Pact are by 2025 to:

• Eliminate problematic or unnecessary single-use packaging through redesign, innovation, or alternative (reuse) delivery models
• Ensure 100% of plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable
• Effectively recycle or compost 70% of plastic packaging effective
• Maintain a 30% average of recycled content across all plastic packaging

[edit] Target 1: Eliminating problem plastics.

Co-op removed plastic lids across dairy products. Ocado worked with Linden Foods on new steak packaging delivering 50% less plastic. Tesco removed more than 1.7 billion pieces of plastic including wrapped tinned multipacks. Aldi removed outer shrink wrap from 4-pack baked beans, while still providing customer discount.

[edit] Target 2: Reusable or recyclable

Unilever continue expanding refillable packaging trials across UK in Asda, Tesco and Co-op convenience stores. Morrisons, M&S, Waitrose and Ocado joined Refill Coalition to co-design a standardised refill system for in-store/on-line distribution.

[edit] Target 3: Boosting plastics recycling to 70%

TARGET 3: BOOSTING PLASTICS RECYCLING TO 70%: Tesco introduced front of store collection points and now collect plastic bags and wrappings in 885 stores. More than 1,000 tonnes of material collected so far. Some is used in reusable green produce trays for fruit and veg (used 30 times a year for seven years the recycled). Kraft Heinz recycle some into recyclable Heinz Snap Pots.

[edit] Target 4: Increasing recycled content to 30%

Mondelez International’s Cadbury Dairy Milk and Cadbury Mini Snowballs 30% recycled plastic. Aldi move to 30% recycled plastic bottles for own brand Screen Wash & Ad Blue. Allied Bakeries’ Kingsmill 50/50 No Crusts bags made using 30% recycled plastic.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Bin blight.
• Composting.
• Construction waste.
• Definition of waste: Code of practice.
• Disposal.
• Materials Management Plan (MMP).
• Plastic in construction.
• Plastic in concrete.
• Recycled plastic bridges.
• Recycled waste plastic in construction.
• Types of plastic in construction.
• Wood plastic composites market for construction.
• Recyclable construction materials.
• Recycling.
• Site waste management plan.
• WRAP voluntary agreements lead industry crisis response.