 |
 |
|||
Before... and after |
40 PER CENT!
The EPS packaging industry is celebrating an unprecedented rise in its recycling figures for 2002 The figures show that 10, 800 tonnes of used EPS packaging was recycled – an increase to 40 per cent of EPS packaging produced in the UK. This places EPS packaging ahead of glass and aluminium recycling rates, in production percentage terms. "This excellent result has been achieved by the UK EPS packaging industry because it has consistently committed hard work and resources to supporting the recycling of EPS," says Andrew Barnetson, Environmental Affairs Manager, EPS Packaging Group. "We have worked closely with recyclers, investigated new machinery developments and run an extremely successful campaign to raise awareness that EPS can be efficiently recycled and it's paid off," continues Barnetson. "The industry is delighted that this approach has resulted in a substantial increase in the tonnage of EPS that is being recycled. However we know that even higher recycling rates can be achieved. Our European EPS colleagues have demonstrated that, where comprehensive collection schemes have been set up in partnership with local authorities and waste management companies, levels as high as 70 per cent can be attained." "The UK industry is keen to work with interested agencies to push up our recycling rates even further," concludes Barnetson. Some interesting ways that EPS is being recycled are conversion into replacement wood, new packaging (including loose fill) and extrusion into plant pots and coat hangers. For information about recycling expanded polystyrene packaging visit www.eps.co.uk or email info@eps.co.uk |
|
||
