NEWS
Recoup report questions UK tax effectiveness
Recoup, the independent UK authority on plastics resource efficiency and recycling, has launched a report covering incorrect and fraudulent claims of recycled content in plastic packaging. Starting in 2022-23, the UK govern- ment applied a tax to manufacturers and import- ers of plastic packaging that contain less than 30% recycled plastic. The report also states that
whilst Recoup is supportive of the aims of the UK’s Plastics Tax, it is not cur- rently having the desired
impact. Plastic recycled in the UK is forced to compete with both virgin plastic and imported recyclate which has an entirely different cost base and potentially less stringent regulatory compli- ance requirements which undercuts domestic output. As a result, there is an influx of low-cost virgin material and potentially falsely claimed recycled content and a lack enforcement is damaging the competitive- ness of the UK’s plastic packaging sector, according to the report. Recent statistics from
HMRC would seem to support this view. While revenue reduced by 3% to £259m in 2024-25, the amount of plastic packaging that was relieved or exempt from the tax was 1,591,000 tonnes, an increase of over 300,000 tonnes from the first year the tax was in place. Calling for stronger enforcement and verifica- tion, the Recoup report outlines a series of recom- mendations designed to establish a more transparent and practical framework that supports UK industry. �
www.recoup.org
Aimplas makes RecyClass move
Aimplas, the Plastics Technology Centre, has expanded its RecyClass recognition to include its laboratories for evaluating the recyclability of plastic materials used in the automotive and electrical and electronic (E&E) sectors,
building on prior recogni- tion for the packaging sector. The accreditation allows Aimplas to perform techno- logical validation services, ensuring that products are compatible with existing recycling streams and can be
reintegrated into a circular economy. This new capabil- ity helps companies meet regulatory requirements and gain a competitive advan- tage by demonstrating the circularity and sustainability of their innovations. �
www.aimplas.net
IN BRIEF...
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released an NOL (No Objection Letter) for the polypropylene cap-to-cap recycling process on the Starlinger RecoStar Dynamic recycling system. The NOL applies to the manufacture of bottle caps for beverages under Conditions of Use C to H.
www.starlinger.com
Earth Island has reached a settlement with Danone in its ongoing litigation against major food, beverage, and consumer goods companies, alleging they should be held more accountable for the plastic waste they produce.
www.earthisland.org
Closed Loop Partners has loaned GreenMantra Technologies over $10m from its Closed Loop Infrastructure Group. The recycling company creates specialty waxes and polymer additives from recycled PE and PP.
www.closedlooppartners.com
https://greenmantra.com
Amcor upgrades UK recycling plant
Packaging producer Amcor has completed upgrades to its recy- cling facility in Heanor, UK, including the modernisation of its wash plant and enhancements to quality and safety systems which enable an additional 2,800 tonnes of recyclate to be used. Along with a centre of excellence at its Steinfeld facility in
Germany, the Heanor plant plays a vital role in converting PCR and industrial flexible plastic waste into high-quality recycled polymers which are then used in Amcor’s flexible packaging applications across multiple markets. “Recycling flexible plastics at scale is essential for achieving
Left to right: Gerald Rebitzer (Amcor), Linsey Farnsworth MP, and Mike Baxter (Amcor)
10 PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD | October 2025
circularity and ensuring supply chain resilience,” said Gerald Rebitzer, Vice President Sustainability Operations & Advocacy, �
www.amcor.com
www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com
IMAGE: AMCOR
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