Veolia's Richard Kirkman presents at the third Recoup Recycling Conference.
The U.K.-based plastics recycling authority Recoup (Recycling of Used Plastics Limited) held its third Plastics Recycling Conference and annual general meeting in Peterborough on 23-24 September. The more than 200 guests in attendance represented the plastic, packaging and recycling industries, Recoup reports. The conference also marked the authority’s 25-year anniversary.
The conference was opened by BBC News correspondent and Countryfile reporter Tom Heap, who chaired the leaders’ panel tackling the question of whether plastic is a sustainable resource. Panelists included Richard Kirkman of Veolia, who shared a view of the future highlighting advances in technology, and Sandy Roger of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, who outlined the need for an aligned collections model instead of separate requirements for individual councils.
Heap also referred to the Green Dot as one recycling symbol that creates confusion among consumers. “If I’m unsure what to recycle and what not to, then should the item be put in with recycling, or in the general waste,” Heap asked.
Recoup CEO Stuart Foster outlined the progress and influence of Recoup over the years in advancing the cause of plastic recycling. In his presentation, Foster also said the recycling industry had work to do in terms of forming partnerships. He noted that the upcoming European Union plans on reforming regulation under a circular economy banner would shape recycling and resource management for the next decade and beyond.
Phil Conran, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Packaging, commented on speculation that the Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) system was likely to be replaced and insisted that the system was simply under review.
The conference reached a conclusion with Recoup and WRAP (the U.K.-based Waste & Resources Action Programme) announcing how the Pledge 4 Plastics and Recycle Now campaigns will work together to promote plastics recycling. A new Plastics Resources Pack is also expected to be launched in October and November offering new communications resources and initiatives, the groups said.
Heap also highlighted issues such as consideration for mandatory recyclate content in goods, the call for strong leadership and direction from Europe, and the call for increased action from the U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in England to match efforts in Scotland and Wales.
The 2016 Recoup Conference is tentatively set for 29th September 2016.