A recent article in one of the country's biggest national publications has highlighted the complexities of recycling in the UK, suggesting that over one billion items that could be reused end up in landfill due to lingering consumer confusion over what materials can and cannot be effectively recycled. While this raises important points about the current state of waste management, industry experts argue that it overlooks significant progress made by the packaging sector in recent years.
Joanna Stephenson, Managing Director of Think B2B Marketing (previously PHD Marketing), shares a first-hand account of the state of recycling in the UK and the role of the packaging industry: "The article rightly points out that consumers often find the recycling system confusing, with eight out of ten Britons routinely depositing waste into the wrong bins. However, it's important to acknowledge that this is a challenge the packaging industry has been tackling head-on for a number of years now. We're seeing a new era of packaging design and materials, with many items that were once challenging to recycle now being transformed into fully recyclable alternatives. As a result, consumer-facing articles that suggest recycling just isn’t working are not telling the whole story.
"The UK and European packaging sectors are world leaders in this regard, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation to create more easily recyclable packaging solutions. For instance, many of our clients are developing groundbreaking technologies such as monopolymer flexible packaging, which significantly simplifies the recycling process. For others, the focus is on switching to fibre-based structures. We're also seeing remarkable advancements in ink and coating chemistries and manufacturing processes that are making packaging more sustainable overall and easier to recycle.
"These innovations are a direct response to the confusion highlighted in the article. The industry recognises that for consumers, the recycling process needs to be as straightforward as possible. That's why we're seeing a surge in clear, easy-to-understand labelling and packaging designs that intuitively guide consumers on proper disposal. Indeed, there is no such thing as the ideal packaging material to solve this challenge– if there were, we'd already be using it universally. Instead, we're seeing a diverse range of innovative solutions tailored to specific needs and environmental considerations.
"While the packaging industry is making remarkable progress, it can't solve these challenges alone. We need government backing and commitment to support these efforts, as regulatory changes are not enough on their own. The current fractured system, where recycling capabilities vary between counties, towns and even postcodes, is a significant barrier to progress. Bold investment in standardisation and innovation in the recycling infrastructure is key to capitalising on the developments coming from the packaging sector. The article included mention of how complicated Government plans for 'seven bins' in each home were scrapped and replaced with a 'three bin' policy. While this simplification is a step in the right direction, it needs to be matched with consistent, nationwide recycling capabilities and clear communication to consumers. The packaging industry has been working tirelessly to make products more recyclable – now, the infrastructure needs to catch up.
"We often see these challenges first-hand as a dedicated B2B marketing partner to the printing and packaging industry. The creativity and determination within the industry to tackle these issues is truly inspiring. What's clear is that the government needs to listen more closely to the packaging industry. We have the expertise, the innovation, and the drive to create a more sustainable future. With the right support and a unified approach to recycling across the country, we can significantly simplify the process for consumers while dramatically improving our environmental impact.
"The path to a circular economy for packaging is clearer than ever before, but there’s cause for frustration. The industry is ready and willing to lead the way, but we need a committed partner in Government to ensure that the infrastructure and policies are in place to make this vision a reality, because legislative changes alone won’t do that.
At Think B2B Marketing, we're proud to work alongside a number of innovative packaging companies, alongside suppliers and OEMs, helping to communicate their sustainability efforts and technological advancements to the wider industry and beyond. It's crucial that these positive stories and developments reach a broader audience to counter misconceptions and highlight the real progress being made in the sector."
Think B2B Marketing, formerly known as PHD Marketing, is a leading international B2B marketing agency specialising in the print, packaging, and manufacturing industries. With a deep understanding of the sector's challenges and opportunities, Think B2B Marketing helps companies effectively shape conversations and communicate their innovations and sustainability initiatives to key stakeholders and the wider public.
To learn more about Think B2B Marketing, please visit www.ThinkB2BMarketing.com.