Crisp packets and metallised snack and chocolate wrappers will now be able to have an in-store recycling label from OPRL on them.
This move, which is backed by WRAP, will support the UK Plastics Pact target to reach 70% recycling of plastic packaging by 2025.
It follows extensive research into the ability of sorting and reprocessing infrastructure to sort and recycle these wrappers within PP streams.
Several supermarkets already collect crisp packets and similar packaging at front of store recycling points.
The labelling does not extend to packaging materials constructed of aluminium foil laminates such as pet food pouches, which should still be labelled ‘Don’t Recycle’.
OPRL Technical Advisory Committee co-chair Karen Graley said: “This move to extend further our specialist in-store recycling labelling for PE and PP films to include metallised crisp packets and confectionary wraps is good news in simplifying messaging for consumers, allows us to capture more of this valuable material and drive higher recycling rates.
“It was crucial for us to establish the evidence base that the UK’s sorting and recycling infrastructure can cope with these lightly coated wrappers, and that they won’t contaminate recyclate streams or reduce quality, before making this move and we’re grateful for the information and assurances we’ve been given by key infrastructure stakeholders.”
