Approximately *** million metric tons of plastic packaging waste were generated in the United Kingdom in 2023, a slight increase from the previous year. Snack bags, packets, and wrappers as well as food and vegetables packaging are some of the most common type of plastic packaging waste thrown out by UK households. How much plastic packaging waste is recycled? As plastic packaging waste generation in the UK has grown in the past decade, so has the recycling rate of plastic packaging in the country. In 2023, it stood at **** percent, up from less than ** percent a decade earlier. An average of ** kilograms of plastics packaging were collected for recycling per UK househod in 2023, with plastic bottles accounting for the *************. The battle against single-use plastics in the UK ***** out of 10 British adults supported banning single-use plastics as soon as possible, according to a 2024 survey. In 2015, the UK government introduced a fee for single-use plastic bags in large shops in England, in an effort to reduce plastic pollution. Since then, several additional measures have been put in place. The latest includes the ban or restriction of several types of single-use plastic products in England, such as plates, bowls, trays, or cutlery.

The recycling and recovery rate of plastic packaging in the United Kingdom stood at **** percent in 2023, the highest figure recorded in the displayed period. The amount of plastic packaging recycled in the UK has nearly doubled since 2012. How is plastic recycled in the UK? One of the most important steps in the recycling process of plastic waste is the collection of recyclables. In 2023, *** percent of local authorities in the UK offered curbside collection of plastic bottles, while ** percent also offered collection of plastic pots, tubs, and trays. After collection, plastic waste is transported to a recycling center where it can be sorted and cleaned. The plastic is then shredded, melted and pelletized so that it can be ultimately used as raw material for manufacturing new plastic products. Plastic waste that is not collected for recycling is either sent to landfill sites or incinerated for energy recovery. Collected does not mean recycled Many nations – including the United Kingdom – export part of their waste to other countries because they either lack the recycling infrastructure to manage the volume of waste generated or because it is cheaper to ship their waste to countries with lower labor and processing costs. Less than half of the plastic packaging waste collected in the UK is recycled domestically, with the highest share being exported. In 2024, ****** was the leading destination of UK plastic waste exports.

The United Kingdom exported approximately ******* metric tons of plastic waste in 2024, slightly down in comparison to the previous year. UK exports of plastic waste increased rapidly during the 2000s and reached a peak of ******* metric tons in 2011 but have been on a mostly downward trend since. Shifting export destinations China was the biggest contributor to the United Kingdom’s plastic waste export peak of the early 2010s, with over *** thousand metric tons of plastic waste exported to the Asian country each year. This figure later decreased greatly due to China’s policy changes regarding foreign waste imports. As one of the largest exporters of plastic waste worldwide, the UK started exporting waste to other destinations, mainly OECD countries. The Netherlands and Turkey were among the top destinations for UK plastic waste exports in 2024. Domestic recycling efforts As plastic waste exports started to decline in recent years, the UK boosted its domestic recycling capacity. For example, the UK’s plastic packaging recycling rate nearly doubled between 2012 and 2023, reaching **** percent in the latter year. By then, **** of the plastic packaging waste collected in the UK was processed domestically.

Turkey was the largest destination for UK plastic waste exports in 2024, having received more than ******* metric tons of shipments. The Netherlands ranked second, with roughly *** thousand tons. The amount of plastic waste exported by the UK to non-OECD countries, such as Malaysia, has fallen significantly as a result of recent changes to the Basel Convention. This has led to ****************** emerging as top destinations for UK plastic waste.

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Plastic Waste Management Market Size and Trends

The plastic waste management market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.40 billion at a CAGR of 3% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key drivers. Regulatory bodies and governments are increasingly implementing initiatives to address the issue of plastic waste. This includes the promotion of plastic recycling and the conversion of plastic waste into energy through waste-to-energy solutions. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as the lack of awareness and fewer treatment plants. Moreover, the issue of ocean plastic continues to be a major concern, with potential health risks such as immune disorders and cancer. To effectively manage plastic waste, there is a need for increased education and engagement among the public. Recreational activities, such as beach cleanups, can also play a role in reducing plastic waste. Wet waste management services are also essential in collecting and properly disposing of plastic waste. The market is driven by several factors, including increasing public awareness of plastic pollution, stringent regulations, and the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging. Additionally, the use of big data can help optimize waste management processes and improve overall efficiency. Overall, the market is a critical area of focus for businesses and governments alike, as the impact of plastic waste on the environment and human health continues to be a significant concern.

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The market is a critical sector that addresses the growing concern of managing the increasing amount of plastic waste generated globally. Plastic waste poses significant environmental and human health risks, with an estimated 8 million metric tons entering the world's oceans each year. The need for effective plastic waste management solutions is more pressing than ever. Plastic waste management encompasses various stages, including identification, collection, treatment, and disposal. Innovations in plastic waste management technology have led to advancements in plastic waste reduction, recycling, and biodegradation. These solutions are essential in promoting a circular economy and reducing the reliance on single-use plastics. Plastic waste treatment methods include incineration, landfilling, and recycling. Recycling rates have seen significant improvements in recent years, with advancements in plastic recycling technology. However, challenges remain in ensuring the efficient and effective collection and sorting of plastic waste for recycling The adoption of sustainable living practices and the shift towards zero waste have also fueled the growth of the market. Plastic pollution solutions are being explored through various means, including the use of satellite technology for plastic waste identification and monitoring.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Incineration
  Disposal
  Recycling


Geography

  APAC

    China
    Japan


  Europe

    Germany


  North America

    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil

By Type Insights

The incineration segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Plastic waste management is a critical issue that requires effective solutions to mitigate the negative impact on the environment, particularly on the ocean. One approach to managing plastic waste is through incineration, a waste treatment method that converts organic materials, including plastic, into ash, flue gas, and heat.

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The incineration segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 13.09 billion in 2018. This process, which utilizes waste-to-energy technology, generates electricity through the heat produced, making it a popular solution in countries with energy demands and limited land, such as Japan. Incineration plants can efficiently manage large volumes of municipal waste, including plastic, and generate significant energy. For instance, in countries like Sweden and Denmark, incineration is a widely adopted practice for managing plastic waste and producing electricity for local grids. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

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APAC is estimated to contribute 52% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The market in Asia Pacific is exper

Approximately **** million metric tons of plastic packaging waste were recovered or recycled in the United Kingdom in 2023. This means the UK achieved a plastic packaging recycling rate of **** percent that year. The amount of plastic packaging waste collected for recycling or energy recovery increased by ** percent from 2012 through to 2023.

This data collection presents the new Household Simulation Model (HHSM) specifically developed for mushrooms, using Arena software version 16.2. The primary aim of the HHSM is to offer insights into the impact of various market and consumer behavior interventions on the amount of food and packaging waste generated in households. By simulating diverse scenarios, the model enables researchers and stakeholders to understand the potential effects of different interventions on household decision-making related to chicken fillet consumption and waste generation. The data collection contains three components: the Arena simulation model (HHSM) (.doe file), an accompanying input/output data file developed in Microsoft Excel (.xlsm file), which allows users to modify input parameters and retrieve the outputs generated by the HHSM and an detailed user manual of the model (.pdf file). This data collection is a valuable resource for researchers, policy-makers, and industry professionals interested in understanding the dynamics of household consumption and waste generation related to chicken fillets, offering a powerful tool for investigating potential interventions, promoting sustainable consumption patterns, and informing future policies in the context of food waste reduction and resource optimisation.THE PROBLEM Plastic packaging waste is a major issue that has recently entered public consciousness, with the British government committing to a 25-year plan that would phase out disposable packaging by 2042. Around 41% of plastic packaging is used for food, with the UK generating 1 million tonnes per year of packaging waste. Food packaging has had a 1844% increase in recycling since 2007, yet still only one third of food packaging is currently recycled [3]. Currently many consumers are boycotting plastic packaging. However, this is leading to a rise in food waste (and foodborne illness risk) due to decreased shelf life. Up to a third of the resources used to produce food could be saved by eliminating food waste [1]. In the UK, approximately 10 million tonnes of food are wasted every year, with the average family (i.e. a household containing children) spending £700 a year on food that is wasted. 31% of avoidable household food waste (1.3 million tonnes), is caused by a mismatch of packaging, pack, and portion size, and household food habits [2]. Plastic pollution and food waste can be reduced through product re-design and other household interventions. However, there is little evidence to determine the best solutions to reduce plastic pollution and food waste. The food industry and consumers have a variety of possible solutions, but no way of knowing the impacts and unintended consequences (without costly, time consuming trials and measurement). This is a major barrier to empowering the food system to enable the rapid reduction of plastic waste. THE VISION This project reduces plastic pollution (and food waste) by providing a decision support tool to trigger action in the food industry and by consumers. Evidence concerning plastic and food waste reduction (and trade-offs with cost, and environmental impacts) will be generated by updating the Household Simulation Model (HHSM). The HHSM was piloted by the University of Sheffield and WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) to model the impacts of food product innovation quickly, to enable manufacturers to select the best innovations and interventions, and to prioritise their development and deployment. This project will incorporate into the current HHSM, data on 1) plastic packaging options and composition (from Valpak/WRAP), 2) household behavioural insights around packaging (single and reuse options) and food (provided by UoS/WRAP), with specific fresh produce data (from Greenwich) 3) plastic in the supply chain and environmental impacts (via SCEnATi- a big data analytics tool of the food supply chain processes (provided by Sheffield). The updated HHSM will enable the quantification of plastic and food waste reduction, and the environmental and monetary trade-offs of various solutions. This will be done by developing an optimization engine and integrating it with the updated HHSM which will further the simulation optimization methodology with the findings from applying developed meta-heuristic algorithms to this problem. Possible solutions include offering consumers different pack sizes, or changing packaging type/shape/reusability/durability. The most successful solutions will be translated into consumer and industry guidance focusing on the top 30 foods linked to the highest waste and tradeoff potential. This will enable rapid product and food system redesign. This guidance will be open access, and deployed through WRAP and global industry networks, and open access web tools. WRAP is coordinating the voluntary agreements UK Plastics Pact and the Courtauld Commitment 2025 (focused on food waste and carbon reduction). This allows rapid scaling of the HHSM outputs throughout the UK. References: [1] Institution of Mechanical Engineers, "Global food - Waste not, want not" London, 2013 [2] Quested, T. E., et al. "Spaghetti soup: The complex world of food waste behaviours." RCR 79 (2013): 43-51. [3] Recoup 2018, UK Household Plastics Collection

This dataset consists of 34 transcripts of semi-structured qualitative in-depth interviews with households in areas of 4 countries with high/low consumer recycling rates (England, Scotland, Spain, Germany). The aim was to explore how they engaged with the use and disposal of plastic packaging. We looked specifically at social practices within different households as this is a neglected but important site for managing waste. We explored social practices, perceptions, emotions, knowledge, and understandings of plastics packaging (recycling, repurposing, retaining, reusing, refusing). The interviews shed light on the value of plastics recycling which is understood widely but in practice the lived experience of plastics recycling is complex and frequently requires negotiating relationships. Ideas about classification systems and sorting differ considerably for cultural reasons; inter- generational perspectives on the value of plastics are also apparent and better understanding of these issues will help us shed light on the complex social context of circular economies.

Snapshot img

Plastic Recycling Solutions Market Size 2024-2028

The plastic recycling solutions market size is forecast to increase by USD 25.8 billion, at a CAGR of 8.87% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is driven by growing environmental concerns, with the increasing awareness of plastic pollution and the need to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. This trend is further fueled by the rising demand for recycled plastics, as companies and consumers seek sustainable alternatives to virgin materials. However, the market faces several challenges. First, the complexity and cost of plastic recycling processes can hinder widespread adoption. Second, the quality and consistency of recycled plastics can vary, limiting their use in certain applications. Lastly, the lack of standardization and regulation in the plastic recycling industry can create uncertainty and hinder market growth.
Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities must navigate these challenges by investing in research and development to improve recycling technologies, ensuring consistent quality, and advocating for standardization and regulation. By doing so, they can position themselves as leaders in the sustainable plastic solutions space and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives.

What will be the Size of the Plastic Recycling Solutions Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2018-2022 and forecasts 2024-2028 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, driven by various factors including environmental impact assessments, technological advancements, and stakeholder collaboration. Recycled plastics find applications in numerous sectors, such as electronic devices, sustainable packaging, and automotive components. Economic incentives and technology adoption are key catalysts for the market's growth. Recycling infrastructure and waste management systems undergo constant optimization to increase recycling rates and reduce plastic waste. Polystyrene (PS) and other plastic types, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are subjected to mechanical and advanced recycling processes. Government regulations and plastic recycling policies play a significant role in shaping market dynamics.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are increasingly adopted to enhance quality control and improve recycling process efficiency. Carbon footprint reduction is a major focus, with chemical recycling and renewable plastics gaining traction. Industry partnerships and consumer goods companies collaborate to develop innovative recycling solutions, creating opportunities for investment. Innovation in recycling technologies continues to unfold, with thermal recycling and plastic pyrolysis emerging as potential game-changers. The circular economy principle is embraced, with a shift towards pre-consumer and post-consumer recycling. Consumer behavior and public awareness are crucial elements in the market's growth trajectory. Sustainable packaging solutions and resource conservation are becoming increasingly important, driving demand for recycled plastic products.

The digital transformation is also impacting the market, with the integration of AI and data analytics in waste management systems. In summary, the market is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, shaped by various factors and applications across various sectors. The ongoing unfolding of market activities and evolving patterns underscore the importance of continuous innovation, collaboration, and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of a sustainable future.

How is this Plastic Recycling Solutions Industry segmented?

The plastic recycling solutions industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Post-consumer recyclate
  Industrial recyclate


End-user

  Packaging
  Construction
  Automotive
  Electrical and electronic components
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    Japan


  Rest of World (ROW). 

By Type Insights

The post-consumer recyclate segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Post-consumer recyclate, derived from plastic materials that have completed their life cycle as consumer products, is collected from various sources, including households, commercial entities, and municipal recycling programs. This recyclate undergoes a meticulous process involving sorting and separation to ensure high-quality standards. The resulting recycled plastic materials are utilized in diverse industries and applications, such as

This data collection presents the new Household Simulation Model (HHSM) specifically developed for chicken fillets, using Arena software version 16.2. The primary aim of the HHSM is to offer insights into the impact of various market and consumer behavior interventions on the amount of food and packaging waste generated in households. By simulating diverse scenarios, the model enables researchers and stakeholders to understand the potential effects of different interventions on household decision-making related to chicken fillet consumption and waste generation. The data collection contains three components: the Arena simulation model (HHSM) (.doe file), an accompanying input/output data file developed in Microsoft Excel (.xlsm file), which allows users to modify input parameters and retrieve the outputs generated by the HHSM and an detailed user manual of the model (.pdf file). This data collection is a valuable resource for researchers, policy-makers, and industry professionals interested in understanding the dynamics of household consumption and waste generation related to chicken fillets, offering a powerful tool for investigating potential interventions, promoting sustainable consumption patterns, and informing future policies in the context of food waste reduction and resource optimisation.THE PROBLEM Plastic packaging waste is a major issue that has recently entered public consciousness, with the British government committing to a 25-year plan that would phase out disposable packaging by 2042. Around 41% of plastic packaging is used for food, with the UK generating 1 million tonnes per year of packaging waste. Food packaging has had a 1844% increase in recycling since 2007, yet still only one third of food packaging is currently recycled [3]. Currently many consumers are boycotting plastic packaging. However, this is leading to a rise in food waste (and foodborne illness risk) due to decreased shelf life. Up to a third of the resources used to produce food could be saved by eliminating food waste [1]. In the UK, approximately 10 million tonnes of food are wasted every year, with the average family (i.e. a household containing children) spending £700 a year on food that is wasted. 31% of avoidable household food waste (1.3 million tonnes), is caused by a mismatch of packaging, pack, and portion size, and household food habits [2]. Plastic pollution and food waste can be reduced through product re-design and other household interventions. However, there is little evidence to determine the best solutions to reduce plastic pollution and food waste. The food industry and consumers have a variety of possible solutions, but no way of knowing the impacts and unintended consequences (without costly, time consuming trials and measurement). This is a major barrier to empowering the food system to enable the rapid reduction of plastic waste. THE VISION This project reduces plastic pollution (and food waste) by providing a decision support tool to trigger action in the food industry and by consumers. Evidence concerning plastic and food waste reduction (and trade-offs with cost, and environmental impacts) will be generated by updating the Household Simulation Model (HHSM). The HHSM was piloted by the University of Sheffield and WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) to model the impacts of food product innovation quickly, to enable manufacturers to select the best innovations and interventions, and to prioritise their development and deployment. This project will incorporate into the current HHSM, data on 1) plastic packaging options and composition (from Valpak/WRAP), 2) household behavioural insights around packaging (single and reuse options) and food (provided by UoS/WRAP), with specific fresh produce data (from Greenwich) 3) plastic in the supply chain and environmental impacts (via SCEnATi- a big data analytics tool of the food supply chain processes (provided by Sheffield). The updated HHSM will enable the quantification of plastic and food waste reduction, and the environmental and monetary trade-offs of various solutions. This will be done by developing an optimization engine and integrating it with the updated HHSM which will further the simulation optimization methodology with the findings from applying developed meta-heuristic algorithms to this problem. Possible solutions include offering consumers different pack sizes, or changing packaging type/shape/reusability/durability. The most successful solutions will be translated into consumer and industry guidance focusing on the top 30 foods linked to the highest waste and tradeoff potential. This will enable rapid product and food system redesign. This guidance will be open access, and deployed through WRAP and global industry networks, and open access web tools. WRAP is coordinating the voluntary agreements UK Plastics Pact and the Courtauld Commitment 2025 (focused on food waste and carbon reduction). This allows rapid scaling of the HHSM outputs throughout the UK. References: [1] Institution of Mechanical Engineers, "Global food - Waste not, want not" London, 2013 [2] Quested, T. E., et al. "Spaghetti soup: The complex world of food waste behaviours." RCR 79 (2013): 43-51. [3] Recoup 2018, UK Household Plastics Collection

Forecast: Recycled Plastic Packaging Waste in the UK 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Morocco Imports from United Kingdom of Waste, Parings, Scrap of Plastics was US$1.38 Thousand during 2023, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. Morocco Imports from United Kingdom of Waste, Parings, Scrap of Plastics - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on September of 2025.

This dataset contains information relating to the survival and persistence of clinically relevant strains of E. coli on plastic and cotton, under environmentally relevant conditions. The data encompass bacterial strain identity, material type, timepoints (days), bacterial concentration (CFU/ml) and survival percentages. Data were sampled over a 28-day period using culture-based approaches; and the ability of isolates to cause disease following their recovery was determined through the use of a Galleria mellonella model. This work was supported by the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) as part of the GCRF SPACES project [grant number NE/V005847/1] and the Plastic Vectors project, “Microbial hitch-hikers of marine plastics: the survival, persistence & ecology of microbial communities in the ‘Plastisphere’” [grant number NE/S005196/1].

Snapshot img

Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Size 2025-2029

The post-consumer recycled plastics market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.57 billion at a CAGR of 5.6% between 2024 and 2029.

The Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics (PCR) market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing demand from the packaging industry. This sector's shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly solutions has led to a surge in the adoption of PCR plastics. Additionally, the rise in public awareness about using recycled plastics, fueled by social media campaigns, is further boosting market growth. However, the market faces a substantial challenge due to the low recycling rate of plastics. Despite the growing demand, only a fraction of plastic waste is currently being recycled, presenting a significant barrier to market expansion.
Companies seeking to capitalize on this market opportunity must focus on improving recycling technologies and collaborating with stakeholders to increase collection and processing efficiency. Navigating this challenge effectively will require innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to bridge the gap between supply and demand for PCR plastics.

What will be the Size of the Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to evolve, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable solutions and the circular economy principles. Recycled plastics derived from building materials, renewable resources, and waste management systems are gaining traction in various sectors, including consumer goods and building materials. The market dynamics are shaped by ongoing advancements in recycling technologies, such as mechanical and chemical recycling, which enhance the quality and versatility of recycled resins. Policy incentives and regulatory pressure further fuel the growth of this sector, pushing companies to adopt closed-loop recycling systems and increase transparency in their supply chains. Post-consumer recycled plastics offer significant environmental benefits, reducing carbon footprint and minimizing the need for virgin resources.
Applications span from food containers to recycled polymers and building materials, as the circular economy gains momentum. Bio-based plastics and compostable plastics are complementary solutions that expand the market's scope, providing alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. The integration of these innovative materials into the recycling value chain further strengthens the circular economy's principles and contributes to a more sustainable future.

How is this Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Industry segmented?

The post-consumer recycled plastics industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Material

  PET
  HDPE
  PP
  Others


Source

  Bottles
  Non-bottle rigid plastics
  Others


End-user

  Packaging
  Construction
  Automotive
  Electronics
  Others


Sources

  Bottles
  Films
  Foams
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Material Insights

The pet segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics (PCR) have emerged as a significant component of the global plastics market, with PET being the largest segment. PET, a recyclable polymer derived from ethylene glycol and purified terephthalic acid, is widely used in manufacturing low-grade products like carpets and food containers. The polyester resin is often discarded as waste after consumer use, known as post-consumer PET. Waste management agencies and local governments are actively collecting and separating this waste stream from household trash. The recycling process involves material recovery and transforming PCR into recycled resin, which is then used to manufacture new PET products.

Life cycle analysis is crucial in assessing the environmental impact of PCR plastics, considering their carbon footprint and resource depletion. Consumer goods industries increasingly focus on closed-loop recycling and circular economy principles, incorporating recycled content into their products. Building materials, food containers, and packaging are prominent sectors adopting PCR plastics. Policy incentives and regulatory pressure drive the demand for PCR plastics, promoting corporate social responsibility and waste management. Bio-based plastics and compostable plastics are alternative solutions in the market, while mechanical and chemical recycl

Forecast: Recovered Plastic Packaging Waste in the UK 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

This dataset was produced as part of the project: Reducing plastic packaging and food waste through product innovation simulation, funded by the NERC (Ref: NE/V010654/1). The wider project was concerned with building a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) model that can simulate food and food packaging as it moves through a household, from purchase to disposal. This dataset is qualitative in nature and was created to inform the modelling process. Remote qualitative interviews were planned and conducted, and participants were also asked to fill out entries on a research diary covering 4 days within a 7 day period. The interviews were semi-structured, and questions relating to waste and food practices were planned around 4 main areas: general household background, daily routines, weekly routines and shopping habits, waste and disposal practices, and attitudes to potential innovation in food packaging. A fifth section was based on photo-elicitation, to gauge participant attitudes to ageing produce. The diaries provided to participants had a system of prompts and questions that aimed to capture the movement of particular food items through the home and practices related to this movement over four separate days. Image files could also be submitted by participants, either included in the text files or as email attachments to the researcher. Follow up interviews were planned, which would be conducted after the second diary entry was complete and returned, but time constraints meant that only one follow up interview was conducted. A screening questionnaire was used to recruit and select participants, which was disseminated through university research recruitment channels and through social media accounts set up for the project. Informed consent for this questionnaire was gained at that stage, but was also gained prior to the remote interview, for both the interview and the diary research. However, the questionnaire data was not analysed and is not included in the collection as it was for recruitment purposes only. The data collection is comprised of 28 interview transcripts, 25 completed research diaries and 91 image files (produced by research participants) as part of the research diaries. Where image files were included in text documents by participants, the image files have been extracted and saved as photographs separately. These are stored as .docx files and .tiff files accordingly. Each of these was anonymised according to the anonymization plan. As there are multiple forms of data for each participant, each participant that completed the questionnaire was given a unique identifier, with suffixes describing the type of data. These are described in the readme file for the data collection.

Approximately **** million metric tons of plastic packaging waste generated in the United Kingdom were sent for recycling in 2023. Of this total, some ** percent was processed in the UK, with the remaining amount exported for processing abroad. Although in 2015 less than ** percent of plastic packaging waste created in the UK was processed domestically, the total volume exported increased by *** percent compared to 2015 levels.

The dataset contains the raw data that supports the findings of the study “Microbial fermentation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste for the production of chemicals or electricity”. Data was collected using the instrumentation described in the Methods section of the study.

478 Global import shipment records of Plastic Waste Bin with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.