Plastic recycling boosted by legislative targets

Driven by tougher waste legislation and set EU targets, the recovery of plastics in the bloc is growing steadily, according to a new report by Applied Market Information (AMI).

The report provides an insight into the tactics of companies who supply recycling services to manufacturers, especially the drinks sector, where a growing proportion of waste consists of plastic beverage containers.

New requirements set by the European Commission last year roughly double packaging recycling targets for the bloc's 25 members. They will put extra cost pressures on the food industry. More and more food and drink products are being packaging in plastic, and especially PET, due to its lighter weight and convenience in comparison to glass.