WRAP has published its first annual report for The UK Plastics Pact, which reveals where the biggest challenges lie in reducing plastic use.
According to the report, one billion problematic and unnecessary single use plastic items will be eliminated by the end of 2020, and pact members are more than halfway towards all their packaging being recyclable. However, while the UK is over half-way towards recycling 70% of plastic packaging, highly complex challenges remain, such as developing a recycling system for films and flexible packaging.
Marcus Gover, WRAP CEO, commented, “The way that we make, use and dispose of plastic is transforming, and I am proud of the progress that the Pact has made so far. But there is no magic wand – we’re unpicking a highly complex and well-established system and making sure that we don’t simply displace the environmental cost elsewhere. Retaining the valuable role plastic packaging plays, especially in preventing food waste, is crucial. We can’t gamble with the climate in our desire to tackle plastic pollution.
“Moving forward we face significant challenges, particularly around films and flexible packaging, increasing recycling, and development of re-use and refill models. These will be our top priorities as we work urgently towards a world where plastic is valued and doesn’t pollute the environment.”
Photo caption: Significant challenges remain around films and flexible packaging
Photo source: WRAP