BPF Lowers 2030 Plastic Recycling Target
23rd October 2024
The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has revised its plastic recycling target for 2030, lowering it from the original goal of 69% to a new target of 55%. This adjusted target combines both reuse and recycling rates, with a further aim of reaching 70% by 2035. The BPF cited delays in implementing critical policies and tough economic conditions as key reasons for this reduction.
Challenges to Progress
Despite previous optimism, the BPF has acknowledged the slow progress in meeting its original targets, outlined in the second edition of its Recycling Roadmap, which was created with the collaboration of RECOUP. This updated report reflects the difficulties faced in recent years, deeming the original 69% goal “unrealistic” given the limited advancements made since 2021, when the first roadmap was released.
Chemical Recycling Hurdles
A significant portion of the BPF report focuses on chemical recycling, an area where the UK has fallen behind expectations. By 2030, the amount of material expected to be chemically recycled will be 200kT lower than the initial predictions. The revised forecast now projects 400kT of chemically recycled materials by 2035, but this will only be achievable if certain obstacles are addressed, such as defining whether mass balance methods are acceptable under the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT).
Legislative and Investment Needs
The report emphasises the importance of investment, stronger legislation, and improved communication to achieve these revised goals. Without accelerated actions in these areas, it is unlikely the UK will hit even the adjusted targets. Additionally, the introduction of reuse as part of the target for the first time reflects the BPF’s recognition of the role reuse will play in the future of plastic waste management.
While progress may have slowed, the BPF’s adjusted targets show a commitment to making the necessary changes to enhance recycling infrastructure and reduce plastic waste in the coming years.