‘Simpler Recycling’ or recycled promises? Calling for a stronger approach to UK flexible plastic packaging recycling

Description

Thanks to the rollout of Simpler Recycling, in a little less than a year, flexible plastic packaging (such as bread bags, food pouches, chocolate bar wrappers and crisp packets) will be collected from homes and businesses for recycling across the UK. As things stand, the UK is ill-prepared to recycle what will be collected. If this remains the case it will result in frustrated responses from householders and businesses. Circular economy and net zero will also take a detrimental hit. In this article, Dr Torik Holmes highlights research from the second ‘Everyday Flexible Plastic Packaging Recycling Assembly’, making an urgent call for a stronger strategic approach to waste governance and policy.