Plastics an essential part of a sustainable future, says BPF

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has now launched a new reference tool that provides a comprehensive overview of the UK's plastics industry
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The publication, Plastics Explained: Exploring Key Issues, is designed for those working inside and outside the plastics industry
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As well as facts and figures about the UK plastics industry, the book explores the role the industry plays in a sustainable future and highlights the necessary steps to be taken to improve recycling in the UK
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In addition, issues related to plastics and the environment were discussed
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According to Plastics Explained, the UK's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 would not be possible without plastics, which are vital for things like insulation, car lightweighting and wind turbines
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And because the material being replaced is usually heavier and requires more resources to produce, emissions are far greater than plastic
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That said, better options are needed to address the end-of-life issues that come with using plastics
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The current recycling system must be overhauled to reinvest the money raised by the plastic packaging tax to address the UK's lack of suitable plastics collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure
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The new document also mentions taxation of plastic packaging based on volume of recycled content; split targets and PRN reforms; exporting plastic waste for recycling; fraud and waste crime; recycling open and closed loops; The plastic waste problem; microplastics
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