The UK Plastics Pact (UKPP) ran two consultations from 23rd July to 12th September 2024. As an official supporter of the UKPP, the REA responded to both consultations. Our responses to both consultations are linked below. If you have questions about either response, please contact Emily Nichols at [email protected].
1. Eliminating Problem Plastics Report Consultation – Final Revisions to the List
The Eliminating Problem Plastics Report was last updated in 2022 when 6 additional items were added to the list of items or materials to be eliminated, as far as possible, by the end of 2025. The criteria for Target 1 involves items/materials that:
- Are avoidable/reusable options available
- Do not enter recycling or composting system
- Are not recyclable or hampers the process
- Pollutes our environment.
The Target 1 list has provided a crucial framework for coordinating efforts among members to address material challenges on a similar timeline, but it is now being strengthened to ensure the same level of focus is applied to materials hindering progress toward Pact Targets 2 (recyclability) and 3 (effectively recycled), both of which rely on removing or redesigning non-recyclable plastic packaging not included within Simpler Recycling. As the 2025 deadline approaches, maintaining momentum and ambition is vital for the Pact’s credibility, alongside adapting to policy, innovation, and technical developments. To this end, WRAP is consulting on a broader list of materials that cannot be effectively recycled at scale or defined as recyclable within the Pact’s duration or with the implementation of household film collections through Simpler Recycling, including items marked red in the Polymer Choices design for recyclability. Feedback will be treated confidentially, collated, and used to update the Eliminating Problem Plastics report, which will be shared with members before its publication this Autumn.
Download our response here.
2. Refreshed Roadmap to 2025 (and beyond)
The Roadmap to 2025 provides interim milestones and key actions that need to be taken for us to collectively deliver UK Plastics Pact targets. It was last updated in June 2022 and, given changes to the policy landscape and key packaging reforms, is now out of date. At the same time, UK Plastics Pact members have asked for greater visibility of the critical pathway to 2025, including how much progress is likely to be reported by the end of 2025, and the key actions that need to take place in the following five-year period to 2030. A refreshed Roadmap to 2025 (and beyond) will therefore be published this Autumn, in conjunction with the Pact’s annual Progress Report. We are therefore seeking your views on the proposed updates in conjunction with the Target 1 Consultation as they are interlinked.
Download our response here.