A Roadmap to 2025 The UK Plastics Pact The UK Plastics Pact – A Roadmap to 2025 Setting the scene

The UK Plastics Pact is transforming The targets for 2025 are1: Who is involved? The Roadmap to 2025 the way that the UK makes, uses and The UK Plastics Pact has 68 business This Roadmap shows what disposes of plastic. We need to move 1 members, representing retail, The UK Plastics Pact members away from a linear plastics economy Eliminate problematic or manufacturing, hospitality, the plastic and supporters can do to deliver towards a circular system where we unnecessary single-use packaging supply sector, plastic and The UK Plastics Pact targets, with capture the value of plastics material through redesign, innovation or resource management. Together, key outcomes by the end of year 1 – keeping plastic in the economy alternative (reuse) delivery models WRAP estimates these members are (April 2019), end-2022 and end-2025. and out of the oceans. The UK responsible for over 80% of the plastic It aims to inspire members and Plastics Pact brings together packaging on products sold through UK supporters to act, and to galvanise 2  governments, businesses, local supermarkets, and approximately 50% wider action by governments, 100% of plastics packaging to be authorities, citizens and NGOs of the total plastic packaging placed funders, investors, NGOs and reusable, recyclable or compostable behind a common vision and on the UK market. The UK Plastics Pact businesses who are not members of commitment to a set of ambitious 3  also has 36 supporting organisations The UK Plastics Pact. Achieving the targets. WRAP launched The UK (mainly trade and sector associations, targets will bring huge benefits for 70% of plastics packaging Plastics Pact in April 2018, working in technology and data companies) and the UK, however, it will require tough effectively recycled or composted partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Defra, the Welsh Government and the decisions to be made, significant Foundation (EMF) to create the first Scottish Government are all behind The investment and some compromise. national implementation of the 4 UK Plastics Pact2. In order to achieve the This Roadmap is a living document vision for a New Plastics Economy. 30% average recycled content targets policy intervention is required, and will evolve in future versions. across all plastic packaging however, we should not wait for this. Nearly 70% of all plastic waste in the Together we can, together we will! UK is packaging, so this is the focus of Reducing the use of plastic is critical – The UK Plastics Pact. by avoiding unnecessary packaging, eliminating non-recyclable packaging, encouraging reuse and switching to other materials or business models where beneficial. However, we must guard against changes that adversely

affect greenhouse gas emissions, 1 Targets 1, 2 and 4 refer to items or packaging under consumer safety, product protection the control of The UK Plastics Pact members and are collective targets. Target 3 refers to all UK plastic and food waste. packaging including household, commercial and industrial. 2 Membership figures correct as at November 2018. The Roadmap is subject to modification including to reflect any changes made to The UK Plastics Pact targets.

Setting the scene Progress to date Target 1 Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 Challenges 1 & 2 Challenges 3 & 4 Action 2 The UK Plastics Pact PROGRESS TO DATE

Collaborative action is at the Amongst other activities, four work Film & flexibles recycling – films UK consumer plastic packaging heart of The UK Plastics Pact, and streams (collaborative action groups) comprise 26% of all consumer plastic composition by format and polymer mobilisation is in five stages. The have been initiated, focusing on: packaging by weight and even greater kt first priorities were the initiation and by item. This group will focus on ambition that WRAP agreed with Measurement and reporting – (i) front of store collections; (ii) kerbside 600 EMF, leading businesses and UK agreeing how to report characteristics collections; and (iii) end markets. WRAP governments ahead of launch. An of plastic packaging placed on the has initiated trials to identify markets 500 Advisory Group guides the strategic UK market by members, from a 2017 for recycled PE/PP film. direction of The UK Plastics Pact, baseline. The final reporting form and 400 and its current members are Tesco, guidance are being developed. M&S, Ella’s Kitchen, ABP Beef, Veolia, We have initiated The UK Plastics 300 Plastipak, EMF, Local Government Recyclability – defining criteria and Pact without having identified all Association, Defra and Greenpeace. guidance for recyclable, reusable the solutions to achieve the targets – 200 and compostable plastic packaging research and innovation will be essential. and agreeing what is ‘good’ in terms WRAP is exploring various sources of 100 of packaging design choices (e.g. innovation funding to support flagship polymer and decoration choices). Also, projects that address key barriers to a 0 Film PTT Other considering how to embed this across more circular plastics economy. MEASUREMENT INITIATION & EVALUATION & SET-UP businesses and inspire good practice. baseline convener, sponsors These targets will not be achieved & progress & members PE PP PET PVC PS Other Problematic & unnecessary without citizens playing their part. WRAP single-use plastic items – developing has refocused its Recycle Now campaign PTT = pots, tubs and trays. ESTABLISHING criteria for ‘problematic & unnecessary’ onto plastic packaging and developed Other = caps, pumps, , tubes, blister packs, wrappers, ACTIONS AMBITION clothes hangers etc. roadmap focus, targets & and considering how these problems a new campaign toolkit for partners. PE data is all high density, low and medium density timescales for action could be solved e.g. through The focused plastics campaigns have Source: Plasticflow 2025. GOVERNANCE elimination, reuse models, design, reached more than 17.5 million people & FUNDING recycling infrastructure, education etc. in 2018. Engaging citizens on prevention income & Significant advances in recycling of structure and reuse will form part of a new citizen films and pots, tubs and trays (PTT) engagement strategy. are required to meet The UK Plastics Pact targets. Examples of The UK Plastics Pact member activity in the first six months are available here.

Setting the scene Progress to date Target 1 Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 Challenges 1 & 2 Challenges 3 & 4 Action 3 Roadmap for Target 1 (The UK plastics Pact members) Eliminate problematic or unnecessary single-use packaging

KEY OUTCOMES Identify materials/items commonly regarded as problematic based on agreed criteria* (likely to be tackled in phases** with ongoing review). KEY OUTCOMES Initial phase solutions adopted by Pact Solutions adopted for all identified members or plans in place to do so. materials/items in UK operations. Plan and timetable in place for later phase Evidence that it is becoming a social norm materials/items. to adopt these solutions. KEY OUTCOMES Identified list of materials/items reviewed BY APRIL to ensure ongoing improvement. Items originally identified as highly problematic, are no longer considered 2019 to be so. 1 BY END KEY ACTIVITIES 2022 Publish criteria of what is classed as problematic, along with a list of items and options to tackle them. KEY ACTIVITIES BY END Initial phase of materials/items reviewed with suppliers and the actions required to All materials/items reviewed with suppliers 2025 tackle them identified. and actions required to tackle them identified. Internal systems set up to measure and Adoption of high profile citizen engagement KEY ACTIVITIES report progress against the target. campaigns and interventions. Criteria for ‘problematic’ and list of Packaging supply chain help Pact members materials/items reviewed. to identify alternative solutions. WRAP develops strategy to engage citizens to help play their part in eliminating problematic plastics.

*The criteria to include: avoidable, inability to recycle/compost, reuse alternatives, leakage into the environment, cause of contaminations and perception. **Phases will be based on impact and ability/time to influence.

Setting the scene Progress to date Target 1 Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 Challenges 1 & 2 Challenges 3 & 4 Action 4 Roadmap for Target 2 (The UK plastics Pact members) 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging

KEY OUTCOMES KEY OUTCOMES Consensus on what should be classed Periodic review of what packaging currently as ‘recyclable’ for consumer rigid placed-on-market in 2022 is ‘recyclable’. packaging. This will be reviewed periodically Likely outcome: in order to ensure it reflects current materials • All rigid packaging and bottles comply and infrastructure. Non-recyclable packaging with the agreed definition of ‘recyclable’ KEY OUTCOMES materials are likely to include PVC and PS in • All packs have yes/no on-pack labelling. Periodic review of what packaging . placed-on-market in 2025 is ‘recyclable’. All new products use packaging that is in line A yes/no labelling system based on the Likely outcome: with the recyclability designations and good agreed recyclability designations and aligned • 100% of packaging placed on the practice in design. with OPRL. market by members complies with the Producer responsibility and The UK Plastics agreed definition of ‘recyclable’ Pact definitions of recyclability aligned. • Reusable systems are more mainstream. BY APRIL 2019 BY END 2 2022 KEY ACTIVITIES BY END Members review materials classed as KEY ACTIVITIES not-recyclable and develop plans to Pilots to scale up the most viable new pack 2025 tackle them. designs, especially films and flexibles. Key opportunities for compostable plastic Each member retailer or brand has completed packaging are explored. at least one trial on innovative reusable KEY ACTIVITIES packaging, including secondary packaging. Recycling sector aligns capability with the New pack formats that are compatible recyclability guidelines. Continuing staff training and supply with the collecting, sorting, and chain dialogue to update understanding recycling/composting infrastructure Innovation projects proposed to design of ‘recyclable and compostable’. are commercialised. new packs that meet functionality, cost and end-of-life criteria, including reuse models. Update contracts and Each member retailer and brand has household communications with the revised commercialised at least two innovative Development of design guidance for the definition of ‘recyclable’. systems. recyclability of flexible packaging.

Setting the scene Progress to date Target 1 Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 Challenges 1 & 2 Challenges 3 & 4 Action 5 Roadmap for Target 3 (UK) 70% of plastic packaging effectively recycled or composted KEY OUTCOMES KEY OUTCOMES KEY OUTCOMES UK plastic packaging recycling rate boosted UK plastics recycling rate boosted to >58%. UK plastics recycling rate hits 70%. from 46% in 2017. Highly visible recycling campaign – correct Significant increases in UK reprocessing Clear information for citizens on what participation growing. of plastic packaging can and cannot be recycled. Policy measures to support municipal A minimum of 600kt additional Increased sorting/reprocessing capacity for collections; all local authorities collecting handling/sorting capacity in the UK of rigid plastic packaging built or planned. rigid plastic packaging. Defined route for plastic packaging for onward recycling. collecting films is established. Improved household PE film collection Citizen recycling behaviour is a social at large supermarkets. Increased use of Plan agreed to provide comprehensive norm – at home, work and on the go. this infrastructure by citizens. infrastructure for on-the-go (OTG) packaging. Latest digital technology adopted to Evidence available from trials on performance New sorting and recycling capacity and promote recycling. of kerbside film collection. end markets in place. New technology for recycling/reprocessing low value polymers is operational at a commercial scale. BY APRIL BY END 2019 2022

3 KEY ACTIVITIES KEY ACTIVITIES BY END Initiate innovation projects to address: Additional funds from producer responsibility • Collection of films and flexibles reform are targeted at critical infrastructure 2025 • Sorting, recycling, composting and and communications. reprocessing of existing packaging Scale up the most viable new market • New markets for recycled polymers. opportunities, including investment support. KEY ACTIVITIES Funds from producer responsibility are Member businesses use Recycle Now Support local authorities and waste sustaining investment. campaign in their marketing. management sector to increase municipal collections. Market signals are encouraging significant Market report on possible new end markets. financial investment into the sector. High profile citizen engagement, Develop high level strategy for films interventions and campaigns. and flexibles. Updated design guidance for films adopted by businesses.

Setting the scene Progress to date Target 1 Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 Challenges 1 & 2 Challenges 3 & 4 Action 6 Roadmap for Target 4 (The UK Plastics PACT MEMBERS) 30% AVERAGE recycled content in plastic packaging KEY OUTCOMES Recycled content target % by key formats KEY OUTCOMES (covering primary and transit packaging). Recycled content target % by key formats: KEY OUTCOMES Percentages are average across all The UK • PET bottles – 38% Plastics Pact members: Average recycled content target % • Milk bottles – 38% by key formats: • PET bottles – 20% • PE bottles – 22% • PET bottles – 55% • Milk bottles – 30% • PET trays – 42% • Milk bottles – 45% • PE bottles – 15% • PP PTTs – 10% • PE bottles – 30% • PET trays – 30% • PE films – 10% • PET trays – 55% • PE film – (include where possible) • PP PTTs – 20% BY APRIL BY END • PE films – 18% 4 2019 2022 KEY ACTIVITIES Strategy developed to achieve the targets. KEY ACTIVITIES BY END Targets reviewed in light of the strategy and Waste and recycling sector members have 2025 policy developments. installed additional capacity to achieve The UK Plastics Pact targets. Initiate flagship projects identified during development of the strategy. Recycled content specified in all new, relaunched and top-selling products. KEY ACTIVITIES Retailers and brands specify recycled Waste and recycling sector members have content to meet guidelines in all Research benefit and impact of installed additional capacity to achieve targets. new/relaunched products. recycled content labelling and include if/where appropriate. Recycled content in all products sold by Initiate flagship projects such as: members to meet The UK Plastics Recycled content usage reported externally. • Sorting, recycling, composting and Pact guidelines. reprocessing of existing packaging Strategic supply partnerships to provide • New markets for recycled polymers quality recycled material to the UK • Recycled content for food grade PP packaging sector. and PE film.

Setting the scene Progress to date Target 1 Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 Challenges 1 & 2 Challenges 3 & 4 Action 7 The UK Plastics Pact Challenges and solutions

TARGET TARGET 1 Eliminate problematic or unnecessary single-use packaging 2 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging

CHALLENGES POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS CHALLENGES POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS • Rejection of alternative solutions • A range of solutions are likely to • Ensuring that recyclability • Regular review and updating by some citizens. be needed. design does not compromise of guidance. • Timescale needed to implement • Trialling alternatives and exploring performance, leading to • Embed good practice within changes that require innovation reuse/refill delivery models. increased food waste. business policies, training and and equipment changes. • Explain and communicate the • Ensuring innovations in specifications, mandating the • Pressure to switch to non-plastic changes to staff and customers to packaging and sorting techniques changes in all new and materials with adverse ensure positive buy-in. are not stifled. existing packaging. environmental consequences. • Developing and sharing evidence on • Marketing teams desire for • Innovation projects and guidance the environmental considerations. ‘unrecyclable’ packaging (e.g. black) to inform where the solution to in iconic and multi-market packs recyclability lies; alternative design could affect progress. or innovation in collection, sorting • Short-term costs of moving to more or reprocessing. recyclable plastics. • Initiate new activities to stimulate • Slow-selling and seasonal packaging new reuse models. may take longer to change. • Use an evidence-based approach • Slow progress on reusable to consider key opportunities for packaging due to the significant compostable packaging. investments needed. • Training and knowledge building • Specific challenges exist for some for commercial, category and products, notably pharmaceutical technical teams. packaging that requires registration. • Innovation within pharmaceutical • Misconceptions by citizens of what sector and/or extended timetable the ‘right thing’ is. to tackle problematic packaging. • Citizen engagement to improve understanding on the environmental considerations.

Setting the scene Progress to date Target 1 Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 Challenges 1 & 2 Challenges 3 & 4 Action 8 The UK Plastics Pact Challenges and solutions

TARGET TARGET 3 70% of plastic packaging effectively recycled or composted 4 30% recycled content in plastic packaging

CHALLENGES POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS CHALLENGES POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS • Consistency across all local • The resource management sector, • Lack of investment for increased • The UK Plastics Pact members send authorities, which requires major major businesses and the investment UK recycling capacity restricts strong early signals on recycled investment and changes to community working together with supply (and affordability) of content requirements sent to the long-term contracts. local authorities to increase capacity recycled content. market, creating demand-pull that • Economics of recycling versus other and create end markets. • More packaging convertors will need helps with investment decisions on disposal options including energy • Government leadership and a bold the ability to utilise recycled content. recycling infrastructure. from waste. reform of packaging legislation to • Improved sorting and detection • Government policy drives increased • Weak end markets for lower support the Pact targets. technology to enable food grade demand for recycled content. grade plastic. • Funding to local authorities to recycled content to be developed • Utilise flagship projects to • The major increase in sorting support collection expansion. in more applications. tackle the barriers to improved and recycling capacity will need • Significant investment and • Investment required to open new sorting, recycling, and use of planning, funding and installing in innovation in film recycling. recycled content opportunities recycled content. relatively short timescales, including • Sustained support for citizen e.g. for films and PP rigids. • Implement packaging design development of chemical recycling. engagement on recycling. • Confirmation that products from changes to improve the economics and quality of recycled material. • Lack of practical collection, • Packaging designed to be recyclable chemical recycling can be attributed recycling or composting system or compostable. as ‘recycled content’ will be required. • Work by the plastics sector with for consumer films. • Food contact legislative constraints the EU and FSA/EFSA to advance • Poor motivation and citizen and uncertainty on future direction. chemical recycling guidance. confusion on what is/is not recyclable or compostable. • Poor on-the-go (OTG) recycling (infrastructure and citizen interaction).

Setting the scene Progress to date Target 1 Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 Challenges 1 & 2 Challenges 3 & 4 Action 9 The UK Plastics Pact Action required

The UK Plastics Pact members are being asked to: WRAP commits to:

Embed targets and interim milestones in corporate and Support members in developing their own action plans to organisational targets. support The UK Plastics Pact targets.

Review packaging ranges and portfolios to identify Report on progress of The UK Plastics Pact targets and activities opportunities to improve recyclability, recycled content, undertaken by the members and promote successes. and consumer messaging. Convene members to tackle obstacles where collaboration Develop clear accountability internally; provide objectives is needed. and training to category, procurement and technical teams. Develop and share good practice guidance to set a Support consumer behaviour change on recycling and reuse, clear direction of travel. through corporate and brand channels. Review targets and activities in light of policy changes Initiate new partnerships for innovation with suppliers, and reforms. customers, funders, local authorities and technology providers. Support local authorities to maximise the collection of Work with suppliers to obtain accurate data for tracking plastic packaging. and reporting progress. Continue to engage directly with citizens through the Review own operations and practices to ensure they Recycle Now campaign. support The UK Plastics Pact targets. Develop a dedicated campaign to support citizens in their Publicly report actions and progress. desire to reduce their own use of plastic and the impact plastic waste has on the environment. Communicate successes to consumers, colleagues and externally. Continue to be the key ‘go to’ organisation for independent evidence-based research, and strategic direction.

Setting the scene Progress to date Target 1 Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 Challenges 1 & 2 Challenges 3 & 4 Action 10 The UK Plastics Pact CONTACT

WRAP’s vision is a world in which resources are used sustainably.

Our mission is to accelerate the move to a sustainable resource-efficient economy through re-inventing how we design, produce and sell products; re-thinking how we use and consume products; and re-defining what is possible through reuse and recycling. wrap.org.uk/ukplasticspact [email protected]

WRAP Second Floor Blenheim Court The UK Plastics Pact is led by WRAP with the support of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The UK Plastics Pact was co-created by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WRAP to accelerate 19 George Street the transition to a circular economy for plastics in the UK and is one of the Ellen MacArthur Banbury Foundation’s national and regional implementation initiatives around the world. The opinions Oxon OX16 5BH expressed, and materials made available, by WRAP or EMF or The UK Plastics Pact signatories do not necessarily reflect the views of the other parties who are not responsible for the same. wrap.org.uk @WRAP_UK The UK Plastics Pact: A Roadmap to 2025 v2 15/11/2018. © WRAP 2018.

Setting the scene Progress to date Target 1 Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 Challenges 1 & 2 Challenges 3 & 4 Action 11