Plastic recycling news from the world of waste in April

It’s time for the next instalment of our brand-new blog series, bringing you the latest interesting developments from the waste and recycling industry.

As we rapidly head into another month, it’s uplifting to see so many environmental advances emerging all over the world, as industries work closely with one another to improve the future of our planet and foster a more circular economy.

Catch up on some of the latest plastic recycling news below…

A collective approach is needed to boost PCR plastics

Collaboration, fresh thinking, and open conversations are needed in order to increase the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in new products, according to experts in the industry.

Following a virtual discussion at the 2021 annual conference of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, the speakers agreed great challenges remained, especially when lower prices for oil attract manufacturers back to virgin resin.

PPE recycling technology can turn masks and gowns into school chairs

With an estimated 53 million single-use face masks being used each day in the UK, specialist thermal heating machines have been installed in five NHS hospitals, which will convert used PPE into reusable plastic blocks – within just one hour!

The state-of-the-art equipment will transform gowns, curtains, and facemasks into metre-long blocks, which will then be collected, processed, and reincarnated as school chairs and toolboxes.

Eight start-ups to showcase technologies to combat plastic pollution and waste

In the Rethinking Materials summit, scheduled for mid-May, eight new companies will share their breakthrough technologies to combat pollution and waste, through innovation in raw materials and end-of-life re-use and recycling.

Although all start-ups are committed to transforming the supply chain, each will present their unique approach to achieving it — four are pursuing bio-based solutions while the other four explore circular methods.

Plastic Packaging Tax going through parliamentary stages

The Government’s Finance Bill is under review in the House of Commons and this includes important steps relating to the Plastic Packaging Tax – which aims to increase the use of recycled content used in packaging.

The Government estimates that £905m will be collected via the plastic packaging tax in its first four years, meaning an increase in associated jobs and economic activity.

Keep up to date with our favourite news stories next month, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, for more recycling updates and news from Indigo Environmental.