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UK consumption of
plastics has continued to increase year on year, underpinned largely by growth
in consumer demand for convenience foods and drinks which in turn has stimulated
demand for plastic packaging materials. In 2002, total plastics consumption in
the UK reached 5 million tonnes, the largest applications being packaging and
construction materials. Combined, they account for over 60% by volume of demand
for polymers.
Growth in consumption of plastic packaging has been accompanied by parallel
growth in plastic packaging waste. Consumer plastic packaging alone accounts for
around 60% of total plastic waste arisings, with
commercial/industrial/agricultural packaging the other main source.
Currently, only around 10% of the 3m tonnes of annual plastic waste arisings are
recycled. What recycling there is, is largely being driven by legislation
affecting packaging. As a result, plastic packaging accounts for around 90% of
plastic materials being reprocessed. From the late 1990s, the plastic recycling
market has grown sharply, from around £56m MSP in 1998 to an estimated £150m
MSP in 2002.
However, with overall growth mainly being driven by plastic packaging recycling,
full market potential is a long way off from being realised. This is mainly
because over 80% of plastic packaging waste are not being recovered. Recycling
levels for other types of waste plastic products are even lower, mainly because
of a current lack of incentives, notably relevant legislation and financial
inducements. Once the End of Life Vehicle and Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directives become law in the UK, there should be some growth in
recycling levels, as together waste plastic from discarded electrical and
electronic equipment and end-of-life vehicles account for around 12% of total
plastic waste arisings.
The plastic recycling industry is still in its infancy and is characterised by a
relatively small number of companies - around 200 or so - either solely
undertaking reprocessing and/or manufacturing products from plastic recyclate.
The reprocessing sector is fragmented although between them the leading half
dozen operators account for around 30% by value of the market. Among the larger
reprocessors are BPI Plc and Roydon Holdings.
Recycled plastic is mainly used in the manufacture of low-specification
products, the main applications being packaging items -e.g. crates, pallet wrap
and refuse sacks - temporary traffic products & street furniture, waste
& recycling containers and construction products such as drainage pipes,
damp-proof membranes and plastic lumber.
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