Reconomy publishes disposables insight report ahead of single-use plastic ban

Ahead of the incoming single-use plastics ban, circular economy specialist, Reconomy, has launched a new report ‘Designing out disposables – understanding the single-use hierarchy’ which aims to educate businesses on the latest packaging legislation along with a breakdown of materials and support on choosing the most sustainable materials.

From 1 October 2023 businesses are no longer allowed to supply single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls to members of the public as well as ready-to-consume food and drink in polystyrene containers, single-use cutlery and balloon sticks.

Reconomy’s report concludes that the UK’s waste management infrastructure is not yet ready to deliver adequate nationwide solutions for compostable product collections, recycling of all types of plastics or recycling of items made up of a mix of materials such as tetra pak and crisp packets.

In order to improve these areas Reconomy is calling for more reuse models and ensure recyclability of the ‘must haves’ plastics. It also called for greater collaboration across the waste supply chain to support customers and to look at alternative packaging which is fully recyclable and managed in the current infrastructure.

Nathan Gray, Head of Sustainability at Reconomy and contributor to Designing out disposables, said: “This is a pivotal moment for the circular economy as the UK implements a widespread ban on single-use plastics. It is a signal that business models must change to exploit making products that last longer, are repairable, could be leased, and are designed for circularity. If we link circular strategies to new business practices, together we can unlock greater value and reduce climate impacts.

“Strong policy action, however, must be met with similarly robust investment in the UK’s waste management infrastructure to deliver the services businesses need to improve their recycling processes. The greater uptake of reuse models and sector-wide collaboration in tandem with the clamp down on single use plastic will undoubtedly drive improvements.

“We hope that the evolving consensus will expedite the transition towards more sustainable plastic alternatives and better management of the high quality and value plastics that must enter the waste supply chain as a circular resource.”

To view a copy of Designing out disposables – understanding the single-use hierarchy click here.