The Flexible Plastic Fund (FPF) has launched its next major initiative, FlexCircular which aims to further accelerate the UK’s transition to a circular economy for flexible plastic packaging.
Building on the momentum of the award-winning FPF FlexCollect project, which successfully demonstrated that large-scale household collection of flexible plastic packaging is achievable, FPF FlexCircular represents the next critical step: moving from collection towards recycling and full-system circularity.
FPF Flex Circular builds on the results of the FlexCollect project, and is a collaborative effort with input from DEFRA, PackUK, Welsh Government and Zero Waste Scotland, and a specially commissioned project team comprising Suez, CEFLEX, WRAP and RECOUP.
This initial project is undertaking comprehensive research to determine the scale of investment required in the UK to recycle up to 400,000 tonnes of post-consumer flexible plastic packaging by 2030. It will have a particular focus on achieving circularity for food-contact packaging (by recycling it back into food-contact packaging).
The project seeks to answer key questions for industry and policymakers, including:
- How much recycled flexible plastic might be needed by industry from 2030 onwards, and will supply meet demand?
- What types of recycling facilities (mechanical, chemical, or future technologies) may be needed in the UK, and at what capacity?
- What level of investment might be required to build this infrastructure?
- What are the costs and risks of continuing with ‘business as usual’ (using virgin plastics) and what conditions (mix of policies and incentives) may help to align the value chain to support UK recycling infrastructure investment?
Gareth Morton, Discovery Manager at Ecosurety and FPF lead, commented:"We’re delighted to build on the success of the FPF FlexCollect project and continue to work alongside experts in the industry to take flexible plastics recycling to the next level. FPF FlexCircular is about turning the proof of collections into a real, investable circular system. By understanding what the UK needs in terms of investment, infrastructure and policy, we can maximise the opportunity to recycle flexible plastics at scale, creating benefits for industry, consumers, and the environment alike."
FPF Spokesperson, Richard Akkermans, R&D Packaging Sustainability Manager, Europe for Mondelez International commented:
"The FlexCircular project represents a pivotal moment for flexible packaging in the UK. We've proven that collection at scale is possible - the next opportunity is to close the loop by investing in the recycling infrastructure to match. For the Flexible Plastic Fund, achieving circularity for food-contact flexible plastics isn't just an ambition, it's a necessity. This research aims to provide the roadmap the value chain needs to invest in the UK with confidence and deliver positive environmental outcomes for the future."
This project will report its findings towards the end of 2026.
Find out more: www.flexibleplasticfund.org.uk.