UK's £20M Plant Recycles Soft Plastics

A new £20 million recycling facility in Corby, Northamptonshire, opened last month and is poised to significantly enhance the UK's soft plastic recycling capacity. The plant is designed to process more than 30,000 tonnes of materials annually, including crisp packets and frozen food bags.

Utilizing three large production lines, the facility converts waste into small grey pellets. These pellets can then be used elsewhere to manufacture new food packaging. This move is seen as a more environmentally and economically sound approach than exporting plastic waste, which the UK did in large volumes last year.

Despite provisional figures showing 57% of plastic packaging waste was recycled in 2025, the UK's overall plastic recycling capacity has decreased. Industry experts note the challenge of competing with lower overseas production costs.

Government plans for mandatory soft plastic recycling collections for local councils in England have been delayed from 2027 to 2030. This extension provides more time for local authorities to prepare for the infrastructure needed. The Corby plant anticipates this will create a substantial opportunity, potentially increasing flexible plastic recycling in the UK by 500% and requiring more such facilities.

Experts also offer guidance on common recycling queries. Washing food containers is recommended to improve working conditions for waste handlers. Wrapping paper is largely recyclable, provided foil and glitter are avoided, and a scrunch test can determine its suitability. Pizza boxes and chip cartons are recyclable if food residue is removed. 'Wish-cycling'—placing items in recycling bins without certainty they are accepted—is discouraged as it contaminates waste streams and increases costs.