Reprocessed recycling

Having demonstrated that the recycling of domestic mixed plastics in the UK is economically viable, WRAP is now starting several major projects across the UK supply chain to understand how best to collect, sort and reprocess them.

Having demonstrated that the recycling of domestic mixed plastics in the UK is economically viable, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) is now starting several major projects across the UK supply chain to understand how best to collect, sort and reprocess them.

In one major project, WRAP aims to demonstrate the business case for an integrated mixed plastics waste management solution in the UK.

Supporting large scale trials to recycle mixed plastics from both households and retail take back schemes, the project will show how mixed plastics can be sorted and reprocessed back into new packaging and other high-quality plastic materials.

The trials, which start imminently, will be undertaken by a consortium, led by Nextek and involving Sainsbury’s, Valpak, Bowman Process Technology, Closed Loop Recycling, Linpac and CeDo.

In addition, Eunomia, working in partnership with Resource Futures, has been appointed to study the most effective way to collect the mixed plastics, and are already consulting with those local authorities who are currently collecting them.

Peter Maddox, head of manufacturing at WRAP said: 'We are delighted to be working closely with the whole supply chain, in partnership with Defra, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Assembly, to help drive forward mixed plastics recycling.'