During March 2024, OPRL changed the appropriate recycling advice label for PP, PE, and Mixed Polyolefin flexible plastics, all of which are widely used as packaging materials.
The changed advice reflects the changing recycling landscape in the UK, confirming to consumers that these materials are now more readily able to be recycled.
“The ability to recycle these materials easily should give confidence to consumers when they are purchasing goods packaged this way and confirm to producers that flexible packaging continues to be a valid, sustainable material choice,” stated Glyn Johnson, MD of Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS).
“Using materials that are readily recyclable and ensuring consumers understand what to do should be a boost to producers and help to ensure that more recycling occurs – great for producers, consumers and the environment alike!” he concluded.
The relevant label is changing from ‘Recycle at Recycling Point’ or ‘Recycle at store’ to ‘Recycle with bags at large supermarket’. It will again change in 2027 to ‘Recycle at kerbside’ for even easier recycling, as recycling facilities continue to develop.
According to OPRL, 3 in 4 consumers now recognise and act on OPRL labels, but for those unfamiliar with the OPRL scheme:
- OPRL labels on packaging indicate to consumers where that packaging can be recycled.
- To use OPRL labels on packaging, producers need to be a member of the scheme and be using materials supplied by members of the scheme, such as YPS.
YPS encourage producers to discuss the relevant labelling with their packaging material supplier, who will be able to advise on the correct label to use for their particular packaging solution.
