YPS welcomes OPRL labelling change

YPS welcomes OPRL labelling change

Supplier News

During March 2024, OPRL changed the appropriate recycling advice label for PP, PE, and Mixed Polyolefin flexible plastics, all of which are widely used as packaging materials.

The changed advice reflects the changing recycling landscape in the UK, confirming to consumers that these materials are now more readily able to be recycled.

Glyn Johnson, MD of Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS), said: The ability to recycle these materials easily should give confidence to consumers when they are purchasing goods packaged this way and confirm to producers that flexible packaging continues to be a valid, sustainable material choice. Using materials that are readily recyclable and ensuring consumers understand what to do should be a boost to producers and help to ensure that more recycling occurs – great for producers, consumers and the environment alike!

The relevant label is changing from ‘Recycle at Recycling Point’ or ‘Recycle at store’ to ‘Recycle with bags at large supermarket’. It will again change in 2027 to ‘Recycle at kerbside’ for even easier recycling, as recycling facilities continue to develop.

According to OPRL, 3 in 4 consumers now recognise and act on OPRL labels, but for those unfamiliar with the OPRL scheme:

  • OPRL labels on packaging indicate to consumers where that packaging can be recycled.
  • To use OPRL labels on packaging, producers need to be a member of the scheme and be using materials supplied by members of the scheme, such as YPS.


YPS encourage producers to discuss the relevant labelling with their packaging material supplier, who will be able to advise on the correct label to use for their particular packaging solution.

Latest Packaging News

Reusables.com raises $2.6 million to expand smart reusable packaging technology
Business

Reusables.com raises $2.6 million to expand smart reusable packaging technology

Reusables.com has announced the successful closure of a $2.6 million USD (£2.1 million) seed...
Aopack BM2800-Max revolutionises custom box production for e-commerce manufacturer
Supplier News

Aopack BM2800-Max revolutionises custom box production for e-commerce manufacturer

In April 2025, Chinese packaging automation leader Aopack made waves in the industry with the...
Jenton Group: Soken Engineering celebrates a successful Foodex 2025
Supplier News

Jenton Group: Soken Engineering celebrates a successful Foodex 2025

The company’s stand saw significant interest in its range of heat sealing solutions, particularly...
AI-powered paper cup recycling trial launches in Cardiff
Sustainability

AI-powered paper cup recycling trial launches in Cardiff

A new pilot scheme using artificial intelligence to improve paper cup recycling has launched in...
U.S. pet retailers recycle over 30 tonnes of packaging in Earth Day milestone
Sustainability

U.S. pet retailers recycle over 30 tonnes of packaging in Earth Day milestone

To mark Earth Day 2025 (22 April), U.S.-based pet retailers Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N' Wash have...