Flexible Plastic Fund launches FlexCircular to support UK flexible packaging recycling

The Flexible Plastic Fund (FPF) has launched FlexCircular, a new initiative aimed at supporting the development of recycling infrastructure for flexible plastic packaging in the UK.

Building on the earlier FlexCollect project, which explored large-scale household collection of flexible plastic packaging, FlexCircular will focus on the next stage of the value chain by examining the investment and infrastructure needed to increase domestic recycling capacity.

The project brings together a range of organisations from across government and the recycling sector, with input from DEFRA, PackUK, the Welsh Government and Zero Waste Scotland. The project team also includes SUEZ, CEFLEX, WRAP and RECOUP.

As part of its initial phase, FlexCircular will assess the level of investment required to enable the UK to recycle up to 400,000 tonnes of post-consumer flexible plastic packaging by 2030. A key area of focus will be the recycling of food-contact packaging back into new food-contact applications, supporting greater material circularity.

The research will examine a number of questions relating to the future of flexible plastic recycling, including projected demand for recycled material, the recycling capacity required to meet future needs, and the role of mechanical, chemical and emerging recycling technologies.

We’re delighted to build on the success of the FPF FlexCollect project and continue to work alongside experts in the industry to take flexible plastics recycling to the next level. FPF FlexCircular is about turning the proof of collections into a real, investable circular system. By understanding what the UK needs in terms of investment, infrastructure and policy, we can maximise the opportunity to recycle flexible plastics at scale, creating benefits for industry, consumers, and the environment alike.

Gareth Morton, Discovery Manager at Ecosurety and FPF lead.

The initiative will also evaluate the level of investment that could be needed to expand UK recycling infrastructure, alongside the potential costs of maintaining current levels of virgin plastic use and the policy measures that could encourage greater investment across the value chain.

FPF said the findings are intended to help inform industry and policymakers as the UK continues its transition towards a more circular economy for flexible plastic packaging.