plastic recycling

Imports and Injustice: The Risks of Unverified Recycled Plastics in the UK Market

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Recycled plastic is a cornerstone of the UK’s push towards a circular economy. However, not all recycled plastics are created equal. Behind the scenes of this eco-friendly narrative lies a growing concern: the rise of unverifiable recycled plastic imports. Are they helping or hindering our sustainability goals?

The UK’s Dependence on Imports

The UK currently lacks sufficient domestic recycling capacity to meet the demand for recycled plastics. As a result, we import significant quantities from overseas markets, particularly Asia. While these imports fill the gap, they also bring challenges—chief among them, a lack of traceability.

The Problem with Traceability

When plastic is labelled as “recycled,” how do we know it truly is? The UK’s recycling standards are stringent, but many exporting countries operate under looser regulations. Without proper oversight, there’s a risk that “recycled” materials may contain a mix of virgin plastics or even poorly sorted waste.

A 2022 study by the British Plastics Federation revealed that up to 30% of imported “recycled” plastics fail quality checks due to contamination or inconsistency. This creates problems for UK manufacturers who rely on high-quality recycled inputs to meet sustainability targets and avoid greenwashing accusations.

Environmental and Ethical Concerns

The issue isn’t just about quality. Many imported recycled plastics are produced under conditions that raise ethical questions. Informal recycling sectors in some countries operate with minimal worker protections, exposing labourers to hazardous conditions. Moreover, the carbon footprint of transporting recycled materials halfway across the world undermines the environmental benefits of using them in the first place.

Recycling Realities: The UK’s Struggling Infrastructure and Global Loopholes

The challenges of sustainable plastic production extend beyond ethical and environmental concerns to the very infrastructure meant to support recycling efforts. In recent years, several UK recycling centres have gone out of business, a result of fluctuating global markets for recycled materials, rising operational costs, and the impracticality of competing with cheaper imports of virgin or recycled plastic from abroad. This highlights a critical flaw in the system: the UK’s recycling capacity is unable to keep pace with demand or adapt to global shifts, undermining its ability to manage waste sustainably.

Adding to this complexity is the questionable global recycling supply chain. Reports have surfaced of plastic recycling facilities in countries like China that allegedly recycle material produced directly by adjacent virgin plastic factories. In these instances, virgin plastic is manufactured with the express purpose of being recycled, not as a byproduct of consumer or industrial waste but to meet the growing global demand for “recycled” plastic. This practice not only subverts the environmental goals of recycling but also artificially inflates the availability of recycled plastic in global markets, driving down costs and placing even greater pressure on struggling local facilities, like those in the UK.

These systemic issues reveal the paradox at the heart of plastic recycling: while the concept promises sustainability, the infrastructure and global practices often undermine its potential, leaving consumers and governments grappling with how to create a truly circular economy.

Virgin Plastic’s Shadow

Cheap virgin plastic imports further complicate matters. While recycled plastics should, in theory, be cheaper, the volatility of global oil prices often makes virgin plastic a more economical choice. This creates a disincentive for UK manufacturers to invest in recycled materials, particularly when imports lack clear provenance.

Building Trust in Recycled Plastics

What can be done to address these challenges? Here are some steps the UK can take to ensure the integrity of its recycled plastic supply:

1. Mandatory Certification: Require all imported recycled plastics to meet rigorous certification standards, such as those provided by EuCertPlast, which ensures traceability and quality.

2. Strengthen Domestic Capacity: Invest in UK-based recycling facilities to reduce dependence on imports and increase control over the supply chain.

3. Introduce Import Taxes on Virgin Plastics: Discourage the use of virgin plastics by imposing higher tariffs on imports, levelling the playing field for recycled materials.

4. Enhance Transparency: Demand detailed documentation from exporters, including origin and composition reports.

Supporting Local Solutions

One of the most effective ways to address these issues is to reduce reliance on imports altogether. By expanding domestic recycling infrastructure, the UK can create jobs, lower emissions, and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality recycled plastics.

Final Thoughts

The rise of unverifiable recycled plastic imports highlights the complexities of building a sustainable economy. While imported materials play a role in bridging the gap, the UK must prioritise quality, ethics, and transparency to achieve genuine progress. By investing in local solutions and holding importers accountable, as recycled materials suppliers in the UK, we can create a recycling system that’s as trustworthy as it is sustainable.

greenwashing in the UK beverage industry: are soft drink companies doing enough?

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greenwashing. it’s a word that’s becoming increasingly familiar in the fight against climate change. As UK consumers grow more conscious of sustainability, companies have rushed to present themselves as environmentally responsible. But are these claims genuine, or is the soft drink industry just fizzing up a facade?

what is greenwashing?

greenwashing refers to companies overstating or fabricating their environmental efforts to appear more eco-friendly than they really are. for consumers, it creates confusion, making it harder to identify genuinely sustainable products. for the environment, it delays meaningful progress by masking real problems.

the UK’s soft drink giants are some of the biggest players when it comes to packaging. millions of plastic bottles are produced every day, contributing to significant waste. while many brands have made public pledges to improve sustainability, a closer look reveals that not all of these claims hold water.

the ‘100% recyclable’ myth

one of the most common greenwashing tactics is labelling products as “100% recyclable.” sounds impressive, right? but there’s a catch: recyclable doesn’t mean recycled. a recent report by Recoup on UK Household Plastic Packaging Collection revealed that although around 65% of plastic bottles in the UK are collected for recycling, rejection rates can be high – so a smaller fraction is turned into new bottles. much of the rest ends up incinerated, exported, or in landfill.

when companies boast that their bottles are “fully recyclable” but fail to ensure these bottles are recycled, they’re shifting responsibility to consumers and recycling systems. it’s a claim that’s technically true but misleading in its implications.

recycled content: a glass half full?

another popular claim is the use of recycled content in bottles. Coca-Cola’s UK arm, for instance, proudly advertises that its bottles are made with “at least 25% recycled plastic” (rPET). while that’s a step in the right direction, it’s far from revolutionary. under current UK guidelines, companies should be aiming for a minimum of 30% recycled content in packaging by 2025 to meet new tax incentives.

but why stop at 25% or 30%? Some smaller brands have demonstrated it’s possible to go much further, using 100% recycled plastic for their bottles. the soft drink giants, with their considerable resources, could do the same if they prioritised sustainability over cost savings.

misleading imagery and buzzwords

take a stroll down any UK supermarket aisle, and you’ll see bottles adorned with green leaves, blue skies, and cheerful slogans like “planet-friendly” or “sustainable choice.” but what do these phrases really mean? often, they’re vague marketing ploys with no substantiated data behind them. without clear definitions or third-party certifications, these terms become empty promises.

the ownership paradox: when big brands own the “good guys”

switching to a brand with eco-friendly credentials might feel like the right thing to do. after all, choosing a product marketed as sustainable or ethical should align with your values, right? but the reality is often more complicated. many of these seemingly independent, “green” brands are actually owned by multinational corporations. take Innocent Drinks, for example. known for their quirky branding and environmental pledges, Innocent is wholly owned by Coca-Cola, a company with a substantial environmental footprint.

when you purchase from these “good” brands, a portion of your money often flows back to the parent corporation. this means the profits from your well-intentioned switch might still support business practices that conflict with the very principles you value. it’s a sobering reminder that true impact comes not just from individual purchases but from holding corporations accountable for their practices as a whole.

the role of deposit return schemes (DRS)

one way the UK soft drink industry could genuinely improve its environmental footprint is by fully supporting Deposit Return Schemes. DRS programs incentivise consumers to return used bottles by charging a small deposit refundable upon recycling. such schemes have proven successful in countries like Germany, where recycling rates for beverage containers exceed 90%.

Scotland introduced the DRS scheme in 2023, and while England and Wales plan to follow suit in 2025, industry pushback has delayed implementation. some companies argue it’s costly and inconvenient. however, critics see this resistance as further evidence of prioritising profit over planet.

how to spot genuine sustainability efforts

as consumers, we hold significant power to demand better. here are some tips to differentiate real sustainability efforts from greenwashing:

1. look for transparency- genuine companies will provide detailed information on their environmental initiatives, including measurable progress and goals.

2. third-party certifications- labels like “carbon trust” or “recycled content certified” indicate independent verification.

3. avoid vague terms- words like “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” mean little without supporting evidence.

4. support proven solutions- choose brands that actively back initiatives like DRS or invest in reusable packaging.

final thoughts

while the UK’s soft drink industry has made some progress in addressing its environmental impact, greenwashing remains a fizzy problem. companies must stop hiding behind clever marketing and start taking meaningful action. as manufacturers and designers, we have the power to commit to higher standards and demand honest transparency from our value chains. as consumers, we have the power to push for change by holding brands accountable and supporting those genuinely committed to sustainability.

the truth about plastic bottle recycling: myths vs. facts

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plastic bottle recycling is a key part of reducing environmental waste and building a sustainable future. despite its importance, numerous myths surround the process, discouraging people from recycling or leading to mistakes. at Bottld, we’re here to separate fact from fiction and help you recycle smarter.

myth 1: all plastic bottles are recyclable

fact: not all plastic bottles are created equal.

in the UK, most plastic bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which are widely recyclable. however, bottles made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or those with multilayer packaging are more challenging to recycle.

check your bottle for a recycling symbol and number, and refer to local guidelines to know which types your council accepts.

myth 2: recycling plastic bottles uses more energy than producing new ones

fact: recycling plastic uses significantly less energy than manufacturing new materials.

recycling plastic consumes about 66% less energy than creating plastic from raw fossil fuels. it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it an efficient way to conserve resources and combat climate change. plastic bottle recycling is a vital step in creating a more sustainable future.

myth 3: rinsing plastic bottles before recycling is a waste of water

fact: a quick rinse helps ensure effective recycling without wasting water.

food or liquid residue left in bottles can contaminate entire batches of recycling. to avoid this, rinse bottles with leftover washing-up water or water from other household activities. it’s a small step that maximises the impact of your recycling efforts.

myth 4: caps and labels must be removed before recycling

fact: modern recycling facilities can process bottles with caps and labels attached.

in the UK, many councils recommend flattening bottles and screwing the cap back on before placing them in the bin. the caps, typically made of polypropylene, are separated and recycled differently. still, it’s worth double-checking local rules to ensure compliance.

myth 5: recycling one bottle doesn’t make a difference

fact: every bottle recycled contributes to a larger impact.

the UK uses approximately 38.5 million plastic bottles daily. at best, only 55% are recycled. if everyone recycled just one extra bottle per day, millions of bottles could be saved from landfills and oceans. every action counts towards a cleaner environment.

myth 6: recycled plastic is inferior in quality

fact: recycled plastic is now used to produce high-quality products.

thanks to technological advances, recycled PET (rPET) is widely used in items like clothing, packaging, and even new bottles. many UK brands embrace recycled plastic to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. recycled plastic can match the quality of virgin materials, proving it’s a reliable option for many applications.

myth 7: recycling doesn’t help reduce plastic pollution

fact: recycling plays a major role in tackling plastic waste.

plastic bottle recycling reduces the demand for virgin materials, cutting down on the extraction and processing of fossil fuels. it also prevents bottles from ending up in landfills, where they take centuries to decompose, or in oceans, where they endanger marine life. while recycling alone won’t solve the crisis, it’s an essential part of the solution.

myth 8: recycling plastic bottles is the only solution

fact: recycling is just one part of a bigger picture.

reducing plastic use and reusing bottles are just as important as recycling. using alternatives like glass or aluminium, or opting for reusable bottles, can significantly lower plastic waste. at Bottld, we encourage a “reduce, reuse, recycle” mindset to tackle the issue from multiple angles.

recycling as a community effort

one of the most effective ways to combat plastic waste is through community-driven recycling initiatives. local communities that work together to improve recycling rates can make an incredible difference. schools, businesses, and neighbourhood groups can organise recycling drives, educate participants about best practices, and ensure that materials are correctly sorted. by fostering a culture of collaboration, we can address recycling challenges on a larger scale and encourage long-term behavioural changes.

how Bottld is debunking recycling myths

at Bottld, we’re dedicated to making plastic bottle recycling simple, accessible, and impactful. by debunking myths and spreading accurate information, we empower individuals, businesses, and communities to adopt sustainable practices. our mission is to create a circular economy where plastic waste becomes a valuable resource, rather than an environmental burden.

together, we can transform plastic waste into a sustainable future

understanding the truth behind these myths is the first step towards smarter recycling. at Bottld, we’re committed to addressing the issue of recycling convenience by offering more recycling ‘on the go’, making it easier for people to purchase, consume, and recycle close to the point of purchase.

small actions like properly rinsing and recycling bottles can have a huge impact when multiplied across communities. together, we can reduce waste, save resources, and create a cleaner planet for future generations.

take action with Bottld today!

ready to make a difference? start recycling smarter today with Bottld and join the movement towards a cleaner, greener planet. every bottle counts—let’s create a sustainable future together!

5 compelling reasons for Bottld reverse vending machines (RVMs)

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in the pursuit of sustainability, innovative solutions, like Bottld’s Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), are making a significant impact. these machines are revolutionising the way we recycle plastic bottles, offering a seamless, efficient, and eco-friendly solution. 

1. versatile placement

Bottld RVMs fit anywhere a normal vending machine can fit – in entrances, exits, or alongside retail.

one of the standout features of Bottld RVMs is their versatile size. Designed to match the dimensions of a standard snack vending machine, they can be conveniently placed in a variety of locations. whether it’s the entrance or exit of a store, a bustling retail area, or a high-traffic public space, Bottld RVMs can fit seamlessly. 

this flexibility ensures that you can position these machines where they are most likely to be used, maximising their impact and convenience for customers.

2. smart sorting technology

there’s no need for customers to figure out whether the plastic bottle they’re ‘posting’ is suitable or not. the machine does it for them.

another significant advantage of Bottld RVMs is their user-friendly operation. customers don’t need to worry about whether their plastic bottle is suitable for recycling. the machine handles the sorting automatically, identifying and accepting the correct types of plastic (PET and HDPE). this not only simplifies the recycling process for users but also ensures that only recyclable materials are collected, enhancing the efficiency of the recycling chain.

3. eco-friendly processing

the Bottld RVM does more than collect plastic. it starts the recycling process, eliminating multiple carbon-intensive steps that other RVMs simply can’t match.

Bottld RVMs go beyond merely collecting plastic bottles. they initiate the recycling process by sorting the bottles on-site. this early processing step significantly reduces the need for multiple transportation and handling stages, which are typically carbon-intensive. 

by starting the recycling process at the point of collection, Bottld RVMs help to lower the overall carbon footprint associated with plastic recycling, making them a greener choice.

4. easy on-the-go recycling

its’ small footprint means the Bottld RVM makes plastic bottle recycling ‘on the go’ more convenient, which makes it more appealing.

the compact design of Bottld RVMs ensures that they can be easily integrated into various settings, promoting ‘on-the-go’ recycling. whether at a shopping centre, a train station, or a busy street corner, these machines provide a convenient option for people to recycle their plastic bottles as they go about their day. the ease of access and use encourages more people to participate in recycling, thereby increasing the overall recycling rates.

5. boost customer confidence

the Bottld RVM builds customer confidence that plastic bottles really will be recycled, enhancing customer ‘feel good’ and building brand trust.

customers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their actions and the authenticity of recycling efforts. Bottld RVMs offer transparency and assurance that the plastic bottles collected will indeed be recycled. this trust in the recycling process enhances the customer’s ‘feel good’ factor, knowing that their actions are making a positive difference. for businesses, this can translate into stronger brand loyalty and trust, as customers appreciate the genuine commitment to sustainability.

enhancing your ESG credentials

if your organisation is aiming to improve its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials or apply for B Corp status, leasing Bottld RVMs could be a major step forward. these machines align with sustainable practices and demonstrate a tangible commitment to reducing environmental impact. this can be a significant advantage in meeting ESG goals and enhancing corporate responsibility initiatives.

Bottld RVMs: a superior choice

obviously there are other RVM’s out there that are available, however we personally believe that Bottld Reverse Vending Machines are better than any currently on the market.

innovative space-saving design

  • compact size, yet holds many bottles
  • bottles are sorted on-site
  • fits into spaces used by traditional vending machines
  • suitable for venues ranging from major retailers to small businesses

guaranteed recycling of PET and HDPE plastics

  • plastic collected goes directly to recycling facilities, not landfill
  • enhances brand’s consumer ‘feel good’ qualities
  • builds customer trust and confidence
  • boosts brand reputation in an age of sustainability concerns

join the ‘Trial in Your Venue’ scheme

get your venue ahead of the pack by joining our ‘Trial in Your Venue’ scheme. as a member, we’ll invite you to exclusive events and have access to ‘early adopter’ deals and pilot schemes. this is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable innovation and to offer your customers an advanced, eco-friendly service.

take the leap towards a greener future

leasing Bottld Reverse Vending Machines is a smart choice for any venue looking to enhance its sustainability efforts. With a compact design, user-friendly operation, and ability to start the recycling process on-site, Bottld RVMs offer numerous benefits. 

they not only make recycling more accessible and convenient but also build customer confidence and trust in your brand’s commitment to the environment. take the step towards a greener future and join our trial scheme today.