New Plastic Recycling Facility Opens in Corby, Boosting UK Recycling Efforts

Operational Details of the Facility

The Corby site will recycle 38,000 tonnes of plastic packaging annually, primarily sourced from the UK’s largest supermarkets. The process begins with Eurokey, Reconomy’s brand, collecting used plastic packaging that has served its purpose in the supply chain. This material is then transported to a nearby facility in Kettering for sorting using advanced technology.

Once sorted, the plastic is washed and cleaned before being processed into high-quality pellets at the Corby facility. These pellets are then supplied back to UK packaging manufacturers, who use them to create new plastic packaging, effectively closing the recycling loop. This closed-loop system is essential for reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste and promoting sustainability within the industry.

Addressing the Recycling Crisis

Despite the establishment of the new facility, the UK still faces significant challenges in its recycling efforts. Current government statistics indicate that only about 51% of plastic packaging is recycled domestically. The high costs of energy and competition from cheaper virgin plastics have made it increasingly difficult for recycling operations to remain viable. The introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax in April 2022 aimed to incentivise the use of recycled materials, but the disparity in costs continues to hinder progress.

By increasing domestic recycling capacity, the Corby facility aims to retain more valuable plastic materials within the UK, thereby reducing the need for imports and helping to stabilise the market for recycled plastics. This could potentially narrow the cost gap between virgin and recycled materials, encouraging businesses to incorporate more recycled content into their packaging solutions.

Statements from Reconomy Executives

Guy Wakeley, Chief Executive of Reconomy, expressed optimism about the new facility, stating, “This is a major milestone for our business and the UK’s plastics recycling industry, which has faced significant headwinds in recent years. The facility will play a critical role in increasing domestic recycling capacity and reducing reliance on virgin plastic. We are delighted to have created new local jobs and look forward to helping our customers keep high-quality plastic packaging in circulation.”

Zubair Bajwa, Operations Director at Eurokey, also commented on the importance of the facility, saying, “We are proud to strengthen the UK’s plastics recycling industry at this critical time. For over 30 years, our business has been at the forefront of helping leading UK supermarkets and retailers maximise the recycling potential of their plastic packaging. Our new Corby facility strengthens our capabilities and will enable us to deliver even better outcomes for our customers and help them contribute to the circular economy.”

Conclusion

The opening of the Corby plastic recycling facility marks a significant advancement in the UK’s efforts to enhance its recycling capabilities and reduce reliance on virgin plastics. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of plastic waste management, this facility represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable future, benefiting both the environment and local communities.