Only 14% of the 141 million tonnes of plastic food and beverage packaging produced annually is recycled, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. This low recycling rate can be attributed to overconsumption and the prevalence of single-use packaging, which is often thrown away without considering its next stage of life. Adam Herriott, senior specialist at WRAP, a British NGO focused on changing packaging practices, suggests that the issue lies in the difficulty of recycling certain types of plastic packaging and the lack of infrastructure to separate different polymers. However, WRAP believes that with the collective efforts of governments, industry, and consumers, recycling can be improved and plastic pollution can be eliminated.
The UK is making significant regulatory changes to address the plastic problem. Starting from October 1st of this year, the country will ban most types of single-use plastics used for bowls, plates, trays, cutlery, and balloon sticks. Single-use beverage bottles are not included in the ban but are subject to the Plastic Packaging Tax, which aims to increase the use of recycled plastic in packaging. The concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR) has also been introduced, requiring packaging importers and suppliers to bear the cost of collection, disposal, and recycling. This should incentivize brands and retailers to produce more recyclable packaging.
While the UK government has set national recycling targets to be achieved by 2025 and 2035, there is a lack of consistency in recycling infrastructure and capabilities across different regions. This inconsistency makes it challenging for consumers to know what can and cannot be recycled. Local authorities can play a crucial role in educating residents and providing clear recycling guidelines to improve transparency and consumer confidence.
Food and beverage manufacturers can also contribute to improving recyclability by moving away from multi-layered packaging and adopting mono materials. For example, pouch packaging traditionally made from multi-layered materials can be replaced with mono-material pouches made from polypropylene, which are easier to recycle. Simple innovations such as removing color pigments from plastic lids or swapping plastic trays for cardboard alternatives also contribute to improved recyclability.
Ultimately, the responsibility to recycle packaging lies with consumers. Even if brands and retailers ensure that their packaging is recyclable, it is up to consumers to dispose of it correctly. However, confusion surrounding recycling guidelines and variations in local recycling capabilities can hinder consumer efforts. The On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) has been effective in guiding consumers, and clear communication from local authorities can further enhance recycling efforts.
Overall, innovation in food and beverage packaging is key to reducing plastic waste and improving recyclability. Simple changes, such as using clear plastic for milk bottle caps or switching to cardboard trays, have already shown positive results. Although some packaging tweaks may benefit specific areas more than others, there is an underlying positive trend towards more sustainable packaging practices.
