Insights from Jonathan Attwood at IPL Brightgreen
The Positives of Flexible Plastics
Flexible plastics, such as those used in packaging, are incredibly versatile and lightweight. In the UK alone, flexible plastic packaging accounts for approximately 30% of all plastic packaging. Their convenience and ability to extend product shelf life are significant advantages in reducing food waste. According to WRAP, flexible packaging can help save around 1.4 million tonnes of food annually, highlighting their role in promoting sustainability.
Moreover, flexible plastics can be designed to use less material than rigid alternatives, contributing to a reduction in overall plastic consumption. Their adaptability allows for creative packaging solutions that can be tailored to various products, enhancing consumer experience while reducing the environmental footprint.
The Negatives of Flexible Plastics
Despite these benefits, flexible plastics pose considerable challenges. Current recycling rates for flexible plastics in the UK hover around 10%, with the majority ending up in landfill or incineration. The complexities of recycling these materials stem from their composite nature, often made from multiple layers that are difficult to separate and process. As a result, around 500,000 tonnes of flexible plastics are sent to energy recovery facilities each year, representing a lost opportunity for recycling and reuse.
Additionally, contamination during the collection and sorting processes further hampers recycling efforts. Many local authorities are reluctant to include flexible plastics in kerbside collections due to these challenges, which limits the material’s potential for recycling.
The Way Forward: Investment and Innovation
To address these challenges, the industry must embrace investment and innovation. The Recycling Roadmap outlines a clear pathway for improving the recycling of flexible plastics, but it will require commitment from all stakeholders, including manufacturers, local authorities, and consumers.
Investing in advanced recycling technologies, can transform flexible plastics back into their fundamental building blocks, enabling their reuse in new products. However although it could significantly increase recycling rates and reduce reliance on virgin materials are the new technologies safe, worthwhile or another innovation built to fail? (Chemical recycling!)
Creative Thinking and Collaboration
Creative thinking will also play a crucial role in overcoming the challenges associated with flexible plastics. By fostering a culture of collaboration between manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers, we can develop novel solutions that enhance the recyclability of these materials. For example, innovative designs that facilitate recycling and minimise contamination can lead to more effective use of flexible plastics in a circular economy.
Collaboration within the industry can also drive the development of new markets for recycled flexible plastics. As we identify sustainable applications for these materials, we can create a demand that supports the recycling infrastructure and encourages investment.
The journey towards sustainable flexible plastics is fraught with challenges, but it also presents significant opportunities. By acknowledging the positives and negatives associated with these materials, we can take informed actions that propel us towards a circular economy. Investment in recycling technologies, coupled with creative thinking and collaboration, will be essential for transforming the flexible plastics landscape in the UK.
At IPL Brightgreen, we are committed to charge, working alongside partners to innovate and inspire change.
Do we have the answer?
No not yet.
However people are talking, collaborating and considering this hard to recycle material. This is a new position for a material that has been tarnished by the industry and external parties, and we look forward to being part of whatever is to come.