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WRAP starts work on ‘ambitious’ UK initiative for circular economy for plastic

12 Jan 2018
Waste reduction charity group WRAP has revealed plans for a new UK initiative to combat problems surrounding plastic and its impact on the environment.

The group says its “ambitious” project will involve collaborative action and commitment by businesses, governments, local authorities, NGOs, media and society at large, to “re-define what is possible and create a plastic system that works- a circular economy where plastic is valued and never becomes waste.”

WRAP, which is working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on the scheme, says the initial focus will be on plastic packaging and will aim to:

  •     Eliminate unnecessary and problematic single-use plastic packaging
  •     Make sure all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable
  •     Significantly increase the collection and recycling of plastic packaging
  •     Increase recycled content in plastic packaging to drive demand for recycled material
  •     Impassion and enable people to play their part in reducing plastic packaging waste and litter.

The announcement comes following Theresa May and the UK Government's unvailing of a 25-year Environment Plan pledge to eradicate all avoidable plastic waste by 2045.

Marcus Gover, chief executive of WRAP, said: “Working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, we will bring together every ‘body, business and organisation’ involved in the life-cycle of plastics to make the move from a throw away culture to one where resources are used over and over again."

Gover added that plans were already underway with all parties engaged. The initiative will be officialy launched in spring.