A circular economy for plastics
Transforming the plastic packaging value chain
The linear system of take, make, dispose is failing us. Urgent action is required to tackle the scourge of plastic waste. Taking action will improve our natural environment and conserve our precious natural resources and help build a prosperous and resilient future for our people and planet.
Why we need to take action
Plastic packaging in the UK accounts for nearly 70% of our plastic waste, making packaging the primary focus of The UK Plastics Pact Find out more
Flexible plastics in the UK account for just over 20% of consumer packaging, yet we only recycle 6% Find out more
Action on plastic waste
The UK Plastics Pact
Plastic packaging plays an important role in protecting goods as they move through the economy and importantly in reducing food waste and its climate impact. However, the current plastics system is failing. Our throwaway culture has led to increasing levels of plastic waste in our natural environment.
International work on plastics
We’re working with partners on Plastics Pacts around the world. We’re focusing our international efforts on developing partnerships to deliver change in those countries where the need is greatest.
On 21st December 2021 the Alliance to End Plastic Waste announced their formal collaboration with WRAP. The partnership aims to reduce plastic waste through knowledge and data sharing, as well as to jointly fund interventions in priority areas including Africa, India and Latin America. WRAP will be a formal strategic partner along with GPAP, WBCSD and others.
International Circular Plastics Flagship Competition
International Circular Plastics Flagship Competition
WRAP and UKRI are delighted to be able to offer an International Circular Plastics Flagship Competition covering the areas of India, Chile, Kenya and South Africa.
A total of £1.7 million has been allocated to the International Circular Plastics Flagship Competition. Eligible applicants can apply for funding that will range in value from £50,000 to £250,000.
Citizen behaviour change campaigns
We all have a role to play as individuals but also as businesses to ensure that plastic doesn't end up in the natural environment. Whether that's improving your own recycling behaviours or promoting positive recycling behaviours to help your customers recycle more effectively more often.
Our citizen behaviour change campaigns provide a wealth of resources and campaign assets that make this behaviour change possible.
Recycle Now
Use our world leading citizen behaviour change campaigns and research to develop and promote normative recycling messages through your marketing channels. Recycle Now adds credibility, recognition, and value to your consumer messaging on recycling.
Clear on Plastics
WRAP's Clear on Plastics campaign exists to cut through the confusion and give citizens clear, evidence-based information on plastics and sustainability, allowing them to make their own informed choices. Use our free campaign resources to inform your own messaging to customers about your journey on plastics and sustainability.
Working with governments and business
The UK government's recent Resources and Waste Strategy offers some bold and radical solutions. These include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) and consistent municipal recycling collections (set to be introduced from 2023), and a tax on plastics packaging with low levels of recycled content (scheduled for April 2022).
Take action in your organisation
Find out more about the essential reports, research and guidance on plastics and packaging by navigating to the sector you work within.
Explore our plastics & packaging research, tools & guidance
See all of our key reports on plastic packaging here. View a small selection below.
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REPORT
The UK Plastics Pact Annual Report 2020/21
Summary of the key actions and data from UK Plastics Pact members for 2019/20
30 November 2021
Other dry recyclables
WRAP offers a number of reports, guides and independent studies focusing on recycling and reprocessing techniques for particular materials including: textiles, metals, plastics, glass, paper, wood, and bulky items.