Details of new OPRL labelling rules confirmed

• Three polymer types will move from Check locally into Recycle
• NIR detectability determines whether some black plastics move from Check Locally to Recycle or Don't Recycle
• Two Polymers widely collected but mainly landfilled or incinerated move from Check Locally to Don't Recycle
• Coated paper and card quality tolerances immediately tighten up to a maximum of 15% plastic by weight for Recycle status and reduce further to 10% in January 2023, giving markets time to respond
• Coffee cups get a specialist label to support in-store collections for recycling

The most inclusive, extensive and rigorous review

Stuart Lendrum, Chair of the Steering Group and OPRL Ltd Board director, commented “This has been the most inclusive, extensive and rigorous review to date of our recycling labelling rules. We’ve gathered together a broad and diverse array of expertise and evidence and subjected it to scrutiny and challenge by respected figures from inside the industry and beyond. I’m massively grateful to everyone who has contributed.”

“The results deliver our commitment to give consumers clarity on the true recyclability of packaging. As part of that commitment to transparency and accountability we are making our evidence base publicly available today. As further new evidence becomes available, we will fine tune these rules so that we reflect the UK’s developing recycling technology and infrastructure, and further refining of industry technical standards.”

Consumers increasingly want clearer information

Iain Ferguson, Environment Manager at founding OPRL member, the Co-op, and Steering Group member, added “Consumers increasingly want clearer information on what to do with their packaging. We welcome all moves that simplify messaging around correct disposal routes and hope that OPRL’s latest review will help drive better habits and more informed action amongst the UK population.”

External expert reviewer and challenger Paula Chin, Materials Specialist at WWF, commented “Due to the visible impact of plastic pollution on our natural world, the UK public is increasingly interested in how their products are packaged. What to recycle and how to do that is vital – and these clear, evidence-based labels are part of the solution. Shoppers will now know which packaging is most sustainable and what to do when they’ve finished using it. This is key in ensuring we use our natural resources as efficiently as possible rather than just throwing them away.”

In 2018 Ecosurety became the first compliance scheme to join OPRL, enabling it to more effectively support members of both schemes.