Plastic recycling news from the world of waste in November

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

The past few weeks have seen further positive changes take place for the plastic recycling sector. From a giant waste pyramid for COP27, to environmental progress from an American beverage corporation, here’s the latest industry insight…

MPs call for ban on all plastic waste exports The UK Parliament’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has recently called for a ban on the export of all UK plastic waste by 2027, to reduce the country’s contribution to global pollution.

As it stands, the UK currently exports around 60% of the 2.5 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste it creates, with Turkey being its main destination.

In the latest report, the group has stated a nationwide export ban should be part of a wider strategy to minimise single-use plastic, boost recycling capabilities, and enforce stricter regulations.

An estimated 380 million tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide every year. And, the enduring nature of plastic products – often only designed for single use - has led to a major waste issue, particularly involving plastic packaging for consumer and industrial goods. We’re looking forward to hearing more as this story unfolds. Pepsi introduces 100% recycled plastic bottles The American beverage giant is launching a new brand campaign, ‘Nothing tastes better than a 100% recycled bottle’, which shines a spotlight on the brand’s switch to 100% recycled plastic for its single serve 500ml and 600ml bottles. Airing on television and across digital and social media platforms, the advertising campaign raises awareness of the environmental progress, encouraging consumers to recycle bottles after use, and showcasing how they can “feel good” about choosing to drink Pepsi MAX.

COP27 features the world’s largest plastic waste pyramid

As part of the 2022 United Nations climate change conference in Egypt, a waste pyramid was assembled from the equivalent of up to one million plastic water bottles collected from the River Nile.

Weighing an eye-watering 20 tonnes, the structure was installed outside Cairo in the county’s Western Desert. This marks the start of an initiative called the 100YR CLEANUP, dedicated to funding large-scale cleans-ups for the next century.

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