FPF FlexCircular: Accelerating circularity for flexible plastics
FlexCircular is the Flexible Plastic Fund’s latest research initiative, focused on accelerating the UK’s transition to a circular economy for flexible plastic packaging.
Building on the success of FPF FlexCollect, the project explores the infrastructure, investment and policy needed to recycle flexible plastics at scale.
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 has a particular focus on achieving circularity for food-contact packaging (by recycling it back into food-contact packaging).
Key questions we’re exploring:
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?
Join the project
The project 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.
We are always keen to hear from organisations and industry experts with relevant insights who are interested in contributing to this research and helping shape the future of flexible plastic recycling in the UK.