EPS: leading the way in plastics recycling
The UK's top manufacturers of EPS (expanded polystyrene) packaging are set to open six local consumer EPS recycling points on their own manufacturing sites. With the existing site at Tuscarora, Northampton that piloted the scheme, there will be seven EPS recycling points for consumers in the UK by the middle of June 2004. "The direct involvement of industry in this recycling chain is unprecedented in the UK," says Andrew Barnetson, Environmental Affairs Manager, EPS Packaging Group. "The EPS Packaging industry is already leading the way in plastics recycling; its proactive campaign to inform, advise and assist industry waste-holders and recyclers has increased the recycling rates of EPS to one of the highest of any plastic in the UK — and EPS packaging has even over taken aluminium and glass. "Now we want to demonstrate the benefits of offering consumers the opportunity to recycle their EPS — in the hope that Local Authorities will take up the challenge and begin to install EPS collection points at household recycling centres". The six consumer recycling sites are at Linpac Moulded Foams in Scunthorpe, Rosslite nr Torpoint Cornwall, Springvale in Newcastle and County Antrim, Tuscarora in Livingston, Scotland and Styropack at Aberdare, South Wales. "These recycling points are for local people; consumer and small businesses only," emphasises Barnetson. "We would not want to encourage people to drive long distances, that would not benefit the environment. "And, for those consumers that don't have access to a recycling scheme, it is important to remember that post-consumer EPS packaging can safely be landfilled. EPS is a completely inert, stable material and the good news is that it does not break down, leach into the water system or generate any gases that could damage the environment." The pilot scheme at Tuscarora, Northampton has proved extremely successful – the recycling point is filled every day providing post-consumer EPS for recycling. This new network of consumer recycling points demonstrates to consumers and industry that the EPS Packaging Group is totally committed to increasing the recycling of EPS packaging and it is prepared to play a direct role in the process. For full addresses of the local consumer recycling points visit the Recycling section on www.eps.co.uk
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EPS: leading the way in plastics recycling Environmental Management Systems Recycled EPS product goes Stateside Finding information on www.eps.co.uk
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