THE challenges and opportunities around plastic circularity were high on the agenda at the recent RECOUP Conference.
Opening the event, Jeremy Blake of PackUK described 2025 as a pivotal year for the packaging landscape. With new legislation set to reshape the sector, he emphasised the opportunity to cut emissions, reduce waste, and design a packaging system that delivers benefits for both businesses and communities.
The first session, chaired by Dr Adam Read MBE, SUEZ, with speakers from Barclays, Biffa Polymers, DOW, Tesco, ReLondon and Nestlé UK, examined whether the UK can realistically achieve plastic circularity. The panel agreed that progress is possible, but only with decisive action combined with the right strategy.
Much of the debate focused on how the industry balances ambition with pragmatism with discussion focused on tackling difficult-to-recycle materials, investing in innovation, and developing reuse models, while also ensuring existing solutions are not overlooked. Speakers stressed that waiting for future technologies risks slowing momentum and that the industry should be ‘using what we have now’ and addressing why so much UK plastic is still exported.
Ultimately, the discussion underscored the need for clear national strategy, fair accountability across the packaging lifecycle, and greater investment in solutions.
Session two examined international models. Chaired by Joachim Quoden of EXPRA, panellists from DROP-IN, Repak, Greenback Recycling Technologies, University of Portsmouth, Amcor, Coperion Recycling and WRAP, drew on global experiences of EPR, taxation schemes, and Deposit Return Systems.
Speakers noted that while national contexts differ, the challenges are often similar. Innovations such as chemical and dissolution recycling, alongside certification and traceability systems, were identified as essential to building trust and scaling solutions. The session explored how experiences from other countries show that isolated changes to waste management systems often fail to achieve their intended outcomes, creating unexpected complications.
The panel agreed the UK has an opportunity to implement an evidence-based circular strategy by aligning infrastructure, incentives, and enforcement. Speakers also pointed to the need for policies that encourage collaboration as well as the importance of building trust, aligning systems, and investing in scalable infrastructure.
The final session, ‘Plastic Fact vs Plastic Fiction – The Plastic Paradox,’ was chaired by Rowan Byrne, WSP and featured speakers from Viridor, Waitrose, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Faerch, CIWM and Birmingham University. They addressed public perceptions, addressing the myths and misconceptions surrounding plastics.
Panellists agreed plastic itself is not inherently harmful – the real challenge is in its mismanagement. The discussion highlighted growing concern around microplastics, the fragility of domestic recycling infrastructure, and the need to invest in systems that can keep resources in circulation. Public appetite for recycling remains strong, and the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme is expected to lift recycling rates to 70%, supported by significant private investment.
The panel highlighted misinformation and clickbait reporting as barriers to progress, with calls for industry to work more closely with the media to share positive, fact-based stories.
Across all sessions, three consistent themes emerged: the need for greater collaboration across borders and sectors, the importance of accelerating investment in innovation and infrastructure, and the role of public trust.
