THE British Plastics Federation (BPF) has responded to comments made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson that recycling plastic materials ‘doesn’t work’.
The BBC reported that the PM, while answering children’s questions, said that reusing plastics ‘doesn’t begin to address the problem’.
BPF director general Philip Law said that the plastics industry will continue working with the government ‘for the good of the environment’, adding that it is ‘hugely important’ that plastic waste is managed better globally.
“Improving recycling within the UK is part of the government’s strategy for dealing with plastic waste and recycling plastic reduces carbon emissions and keeps valuable material in functional use,” Mr Law said. “We were pleased that the BPF’s Recycling Roadmap was endorsed by a government minister earlier this year.
“The BPF would like the government to invest in future-proofing the UK’s recycling infrastructure so more plastic can be recycled within the UK by 2030. This will create jobs, reduce the use of fossil fuels, make the circular economy a reality and enable the government to meet its own aim of eliminating avoidable plastic waste by 2042.
“Substituting plastic with other materials is often not the best thing for the environment and failing to follow the science could impact the nation’s health, the standard of our healthcare, the government’s ability to meet its net zero targets and increase food waste.
“The plastics industry employs 180,000 people, including recyclers, who should be proud of the vital role they play in delivering an innovative, low carbon, modern economy.”
