May 18, 2025 -The UK is bracing for a significant challenge in plastic film recycling as the 2027 deadline for mandatory recycling requirements approaches, necessitating the urgent establishment of a scalable and economically viable recycling system. Currently, both the recycling infrastructure and public awareness in the UK fall short of the demands posed by this critical issue, necessitating a comprehensive upgrade.
The plastic film recycling sector in the UK is currently grappling with multiple hurdles. Plastic films and flexible packaging account for a substantial 27% of consumer plastic packaging in the UK, yet the recycling rate stood at a mere 7% in 2023. This results in a significant amount of waste being sent to landfills or incinerated, contributing to substantial resource wastage and environmental pollution. The recycling system’s infrastructure is plagued by bottlenecks, with existing facilities struggling to cope with the surge in waste, compounded by issues such as outdated planning, limited space, and aging equipment. Additionally, the multi-layered structure and diverse polymer composition of plastic films pose technical challenges for separation and recycling, while low material value, high processing costs, and competition from cheap imported products further impede recycling efforts. Moreover, public participation and awareness regarding plastic film recycling remain low, with only a handful of local authorities offering kerbside recycling services.
To address these challenges, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has outlined a five-point action plan in its report, “Circular Films: A Pathway to Scalable Recycling.” The plan recommends that brands adopt single-material designs to enhance the recyclability of film packaging, expand recycling networks, and enhance sorting and reprocessing capabilities. It also calls for the establishment of a robust domestic market to support traceable recycled materials, comprehensive funding for recycling through fiscal and policy reforms, and increased public awareness and participation through clear labeling, guidance, and educational initiatives.
Achieving the goal of plastic film recycling requires close collaboration among retailers, policymakers, manufacturers, and processors. The UK Plastics Pact, a platform uniting over 200 businesses and organizations, is driving tangible progress in plastic film recycling through policy innovation and industry practices. As the 2027 policy deadline approaches, the Pact is set to play a pivotal role in helping the UK construct an efficient and sustainable plastic film recycling system.