ACE UK represents various manufacturers of food, drink, and other liquid packaging solutions, including Tetra Pak, Elopak, and SIG Combibloc. These companies are committed to advancing sustainable packaging practices in the food and drink sector.
With the upcoming Simpler Recycling reforms, all English households will have the opportunity to confidently recycle food, drink, and other liquid cartons starting from 31 March 2026. This initiative will standardize collections, requiring local authorities to gather these cartons alongside plastics and other dry-recyclable materials, ultimately ending the fragmented recycling system we currently experience.
According to ACE UK’s analysis of recycling infrastructure, approximately two-thirds of English local authorities presently offer liquid carton collection. Therefore, the successful implementation of these vital reforms before March 2026 presents a significant challenge.
Local authorities that have yet to establish kerbside collection for liquid cartons must revise and align their processes with the new waste and recycling legislation. By doing so, they will demonstrate their commitment to promoting food and drink sustainability.
To facilitate this transition, ACE UK has launched its Carton Ready campaign, which provides essential resources and guidance for local authorities in England. This initiative aims to ensure that all councils can efficiently implement the mandatory collection of liquid cartons, thereby supporting sustainable packaging in the food and drink sector.
ACE UK is actively collaborating with various local councils to enhance liquid carton collection and recycling rates. The Carton Ready Implementation Toolkit draws on decades of experience assisting councils in establishing effective kerbside collections for cartons.
Mandy Kelly, chief executive of ACE UK, stated: “We want the Government’s Simpler Recycling reforms to be a success, and we know that some local authorities will need help to update their existing processes to comply with the new requirements. The ACE UK team is ready to support local authorities to adapt to these changes, working with their local waste management contractors to rapidly develop their carton collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure.”
“That’s why we’ve launched our new Carton Ready campaign to help local authorities and waste managers successfully implement the reforms ahead of the implementation date.” In this manner, ACE UK is not only fostering sustainable packaging but also aligning with evolving food and drink consumer trends.
