Research commissioned into mixed plastic collections

Working with local authorities already collecting the material, and then retailers at a later stage, the two companies will undertake the work as part of ongoing research into the economic viability of recycling mixed plastic packaging.

In July, WRAP issued two tenders aimed at investigating the recyclability of mixed plastic packaging with the wider goal of demonstrating a detailed business case for a wholesale mixed plastics waste management solution in the UK. (see letsrecycle.com story)

This work involves the use of large scale trials – which are due to start imminently – and focuses on the sorting and reprocessing of mixed plastics back into new packaging or high quality plastic material.

A consortium led by Nextek Limited and involving Sainsbury's, Valpak, Bowman Process Technology, Closed Loop Recycling, Linpac and CeDo is due to undertake the trial, which will also assess how material recycling facilities can incorporate mixed plastics as well as the best outcome for the film component.

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.

“We are keen to ensure the economic viability of this new part of the processing sector, and pleased by the commitment shown from all involved. Working in such a joined up manner will enable a mixed plastics recycling infrastructure to be developed more quickly,” he added.

The scope of the WRAP mixed plastic project came in for criticism when the tender was first launched, with it claimed that mixed plastic recycling could lead to a dip in quality of output materials and that commingled MRFs would struggle to contend with the addition of the material stream. (see letsrecycle.com story)