RECOUP launches plastic recycling awards

RECOUP (Recycling of Used Plastics Ltd.), a plastics recycling charity based in Peterborough, U.K., has launched an awards program to recognize companies in the plastics recycling industry that are pushing boundaries in terms of opportunities for recycled content as well as new ways to improve recyclability and resource efficiency.

“Ensuring recyclability of packaging and products, and manufacturing new products with recycled plastics, are two key elements of a successful plastic recycling system,” says Stuart Foster, CEO of RECOUP. “With the intention to significantly increase plastic recycling as part of a circular economy model, there is an ongoing need to showcase and promote innovations to increase recyclability and practical applications of recycled plastics into both closed and open-loop products.”

RECOUP also has announced finalists for its awards. The organization says winners will be announced at the RECOUP Conference Sept. 29 in Peterborough.

Finalists for RECOUP’s Best Development or Innovation to Enhance Recyclability or Re-use award include:

• PREP Design – Roll ‘n’ Recycle;
• Greiner Packaging – K3 r100;
• Waste Free Oceans with Partners – Corona beverage crate;
• Waddington Europe – hot-fill rPET containers; and 
• Berry Global – closed-loop recycled paint containers.

Finalists for the organization's Recycled Product of the Year category include:

• Waste2Wear – I used to be a fridge bag;
• Faerch UK Ltd. – Tesco and Faerch deliver tray-to-tray recycling; 
• Nestlé Waters UK – Buxton Natural Mineral Water;
• Packamama – Packamama eco-flat wine bottle; 
• Waste Free Oceans and partner DFS, Plastix and Epsotech – Circular Ropes; 
• Waste Free Oceans and partner Euro Optics – ReFocus Circular reading glasses and sunglasses;
• Beko Plc – recycled tub washing machine;
• Cromwell Polyethylene – The r.UK sack; 
• Yes Recycling Fife – Ecosheet; and 
• Transform-CE – recycled products manufactured from postconsumer resin.