The joint venture between Coca-Cola Enterprises and Eco Plastics has recycled half a billion bottles since opening in May 2012.
To celebrate this, Environment Mininster Lord de Mauley visited the Continuum Recycling facility in Lincolnshire to see the rPET being manufactured.
He said: “Continuum has shown the real benefits of recycling. It has helped to cut down on waste and brought millions of plastic bottles back into use which would otherwise have been sent to landfill.
“The plant has further helped Lincolnshire’s rural economy to thrive by creating more jobs. This is exactly what we want to see.”
Eco Plastics managing director Jonathan Short said: “Delivering a world-first is always a challenge, so to have hit the 500 million mark within a year of opening is a real achievement.
“But as significant as that accomplishment is in terms of jobs created and in terms of carbon saved, it is only part of the story. We hope that Continuum will prove to be a gateway project, demonstrating the value of long-term partnership and providing a template that others can follow.
“The challenge of creating a sustainable and 360 degree UK recycling industry is a real one. Projects like Continuum can make a material difference in helping us to achieve that vision.”
