Reports on key mixed plastic waste conference
The full conference papers are at the WRAP web site
Wrap ceo, Liz Goodwin, told the conference that there was a “received wisdom it’s not economic” and that it’s “too difficult” to recycle mixed plastics. But she added: “This is the first time that we have been able to prove that recycling mixed plastics is not only possible, but cost effective and makes good environmental sense.”
Goodwin added: “This new research is a first step towards getting that plastic out of the household bin and back into use.”
Overall, landfill waste was deemed the least favourable option for disposing of plastic waste, with incineration the worst option in terms of global warming potential because more carbon dioxide was emitted by burning plastics that by burning gas or coal.
The research showed that, on balance, the best environmental option was to invest in technology to produce high quality recycled plastics, but that there will still be a need for solid recovered fuel (SRF) in some cases.
Consequently, it suggested reprocessors build integrated plants capable of both options as this improves the economic benefit and minimises the environmental impact.
Unveiling the research at a conference of industry professionals today (5 June), WRAP chief executive Liz Goodwin said: "This is the first time that we have been able to prove that recycling mixed plastics is not only possible, but cost-effective and makes good environmental sense.
Karren Cannard's blog makes for interesting reading and her enthusiasm and committment to the subject of recycling is self evident. Her style is self depracating, yet she makes serious points in an amusing way. Her commentaries have been featured widely including on the BBC, here is a short extract from the blog:
My mission, ladies and gentlemen, was to infiltrate!And the target was the WRAP conference, or rather its dissemination event, where experts would divulge important research and findings into the future of mixed plastics recycling. The delegate list comprised decision-makers and stakeholders from sectors right across the waste stream, including packaging companies, consumer product manufacturers, retailers, local authorities, waste management companies, central government, industry researchers, consultancies, journalists and academics. There were some big guns and then there was……uh ummm… me! ....More!