Articles

UK & Ireland Update: Waste Recycling

Categories: EMEA

In the UK, we put 57 million tonnes of rubbish in the ground every year. In 2010, analysts were predicting we would run out of landfill space by 2018 and frankly, it’s happening. During this year, traditional waste disposal is likely to become more expensive and unpopular, leading to companies wanting to find more careful methods of waste handling. A higher proportion of recycling, clearer differentiation of waste streams, and reducing the amount of plastic sacks used for waste disposal are concerns that facility management and cleaning companies that deal with clients’ waste will have to pay a lot more attention to by the end of 2019.

Plastic out, Paper in

What will be the “sustainable” material alternative to plastics in 2019? Based on the evidence of 2018, paper-based packaging is the most probable answer. Last year, this type of packaging experienced a notable resurgence, fuelled by anti-plastic sentiments, with numerous new paper-based and plastic-paper hybrid packaging launches, such as JUST Water or Frosch. More natural, renewable, and recyclable paper-based formats with reduced carbon footprints appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. These formats resonate with retailers and brands who have set plastic-free or plastic-reducing packaging targets.

About the Author.

Paul Kelly is a member of the ISSA EU Council representing the United Kingdom and Ireland.