Independent non-profit firm On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) announced that its Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP) UK packaging design tool is set to enter into final testing phase.
Image: Image: A paperboard box. Photo: courtesy of Marcel Hol/Freeimages.com.
The sustainable packaging design tool is set to go live with UK recycling infrastructure data for testing this week to ensure recyclability assessments fully reflect current UK collections and processing infrastructure.
In an effort to support OPRL members to meet their UK Plastics Pact commitments, OPRL plans to launch the tool as a standard part of membership.
According to OPRL, the tool allows users to design packaging which avoids unrecyclable plastics while ensuring it supports easy to separation and recycling of components.
OPRL executive director said Stuart Lendrum said: “The research undertaken for us by Axion Consulting ensures the tool is calibrated to reflect UK infrastructure, and we will continue to update this in the current fast paced policy environment.
“Once this final phase of testing is complete, we believe we have a tool with the potential to underpin Extended Producer Responsibility assessments, deliver against the National Infrastructure Commission’s recommendations on recyclability of plastic packaging, and enable UK Plastics Pact signatories to make rapid progress in fulfilling their commitments.”
The tool, which is intended to give a realistic recyclability assessment at both materials and component design, is planned for full launch in autumn this year.
PREP Design CEO and founder Anthony Peyton said: “I’d like to sincerely thank Axion Consulting and all those whose data and advice have enabled OPRL to reflect the UK recycling system via the PREP.”
“Our work in the UK will be conducted in parallel with helping businesses in Australia and New Zealand who are members of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), who also have access to the PREP for the two nations.
“The goal is to have all packaging recyclable (or reusable or compostable) by 2025, as agreed by all National and State Environment Ministers on 27 April 2018 – it can be done!”