Call to stop sending materials to landfill

What is being called “a ground-breaking campaign” has been launched by the plastics industry to challenge itself, government and consumers to step up recycling and to stop sending plastic to landfill.

The Plastics 2020 Challenge, backed by MPs from across the political divide, is the first time plastics manufacturers and processors themselves have called for a widespread and open debate and set their own targets for helping make the country greener.

The plastics industry is pledging several commitments on the “four R’s” – reduce, reuse, recycle and recover, including doubling the recycling rate of plastic packaging by the year 2020.

The campaign also challenges the government, MPs, environmental groups and consumers to join forces with the industry to get more out of the resources we all use.

MPs and council leaders gathered at Westminster where new research was published showing only half of the responsible councilors were confident that they would meet the government’s waste strategy targets for 2010, 2015 and 2020, suggesting large and unnecessary hikes in council tax bills unless action was taken.

The campaign urges members of the public and interest groups to join the debate on the benefits, use and disposal of plastic products and packaging.

In a radical move other environmental campaigners, such as Friends of the Earth, will be encouraged to take part in regular web debates – on subjects such as marine littering and bio plastics. The sponsors of the Plastics 2020 Challenge believe that only an honest, open and rational debate on controversial issues will lead to a consensus about how to move forward.

The Plastics 2020 Challenge has been welcomed by WRAP, the government-sponsored waste reduction and recycling agency, and the Local Government Association.

Plastic bottles in landfill photo from Ecolotics Now

More information: www.plastics2020challenge.com