While upstream measures are important, recycling is essential to achieving net zero, but it requires robust infrastructure to collect, sort, and process materials effectively. Without improvements, millions of tonnes of plastic will continue to pollute the environment. To reduce reliance on landfill, incineration, and waste-to-energy systems, we must scale up recycling and ensure it works in practice.
Citizens, businesses, and governments all play a critical role, and collaborative action is needed to drive large-scale investment and innovation. This effort must also include the informal sector, which in many countries is a primary source of collected recyclable materials.
Our solutions
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The Plastics Pact Network
Led by WRAP and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Plastics Pact Network connects 19 countries and over 900 organisations to drive global change towards a circular economy for plastics. Pacts have taken action ahead of regulation, enabling developments in mechanical recycling, such as the UK's first post-consumer food-grade PP plant, which has achieved FDA approval. By setting ambitious goals, improving infrastructure, and advocating for stronger policies, the Pact is generating lasting, worldwide impact.
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The UK Plastics Pact
The UK Plastics Pact brings together businesses, governments, and NGOs in a powerful alliance to tackle plastic waste across the value chain. With WRAP's support, members work collectively toward the shared mission of creating a circular plastics economy—offering policy guidance, securing essential funding for reuse projects, and driving innovative solutions for problem plastics.
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A Global Treaty
WRAP advocates for a high-ambition, legally binding global treaty to address the worldwide problem of plastic pollution. Through a circular economy approach, this is our chance to change the course of history, with the introduction of global guidelines to eliminate, reduce, and reuse plastics, while effectively managing those that cannot be recycled.
The progress we’re making
Over 5 million tonnes of plastic packaging were recycled in the last monitored year across Plastics Pact countries.
The Plastics Pact Network is working to increase effective recycling rates worldwide, using tailored approaches based on each country’s infrastructure and establishing core metrics to divert waste from landfill and incineration.
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Progress against the Targets
UK: Commitments from major businesses under the UK Plastics Pact have driven private investment into recycling infrastructure. Since 2018, UK recycling capacity has grown by Xkt, with further expansions planned.
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South African Plastics Pact
South Africa: The South Africa Plastics Pact has partnered with the City of Johannesburg, WRAP, and other key stakeholders to design a model for improving recyclables recovery from domestic waste. The initiative, driven by national EPR regulations, involved the operation of a mini-Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Selby, Johannesburg, and marks the continued effort from various sectors to enhance recycling across South Africa.
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The success of Recycle Week 2024: Why NGOs, local authorities and businesses must work together to change recycling behaviours
Recycle Now’s mission is to increase the perception that recycling is worthwhile. We know that most UK households are actively recycling, with 90% regularly taking part. However, our research shows that 79% of UK citizens still miss one or more items that could be recycled in their kerbside collection.
Key reports
WRAP are committed to helping businesses implement best practices that further our global vision circular living. Our comprehensive reports provide in-depth analysis and practical solutions for scaling recycling infrastructure - they highlight the progress we’ve made, as well as the changes we need to continue making on the path to circular living.
