Plastic recycling news from the world of waste in June

It is time for the next instalment of our news round-up blog series, bringing you the latest interesting developments from the waste and recycling industry.

As we approach the second half of 2021, it has been interesting to discover the latest trials and initiatives that industries and companies alike are adopting in order to foster a more circular economy for the planet and the consumer.

Here is the latest insight from the past month…

China to implement new plastic recycling standards

Plastic recycling standards will be introduced on the 1st December this year. It is not yet known whether China will allow some material to be imported under these standards, previously, the country told the World Trade Organisation that it will accept the import of plastic materials if they meet the national mandatory quality standards.

Fund to boost flexible plastic recycling

In order to make flexible plastic recycling easier and more economically viable for consumers, five of the UK’s largest food manufacturers will be joining forces to contribute towards a £1m fund.

Producer compliance scheme – and trusted Indigo partner – Ecosurety, will lead the scheme, along with support from environmental charity Hubbub. The main aim of the fund is to strengthen the UK’s capacity to be able to process this waste stream, as well as to encourage consumers to start recycling flexible materials. The long-term target is to reduce waste export and for 100% of recycling to occur in the UK by 2023.

Scientists convert used plastic bottles into vanilla flavouring

This is the first time ever that a valuable chemical has been brewed from waste plastic. Using genetically engineered bacteria, researchers have converted what would normally be classed as ‘problematic waste’ into Vanillin – a chemical that is used across a wide range of industries such as pharmaceuticals, cleaning, and food. It is believed that this discovery could help make recycling more attractive and help to tackle the global pollution issue.

Majority of Britons support refill points to cut plastic waste, survey suggests

A survey commissioned by Friends Of The Earth and anti-plastic pollution charity City To Sea, has found that 80% of Britons want the UK government to make refillable products a key part of its solution to help tackle single-use plastic waste pollution.

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.