RPC bpi recycled products has joined the New Plastics Economy, a three-year initiative involving organisations across the plastics supply chain, aimed at developing a global and co-ordinated system for plastics packaging in line with circular economy principles.

The initiative is led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with a broad group of leading companies, cities, philanthropists, policymakers, academics, students, and NGOs. The formal group comprises approximately 40 participants – including initial core partners Amcor, The Coca-Cola Company, MARS, Unilever and Veolia - which are working together to rethink and redesign the global plastics packaging system. 

The objective is to ensure a more co-ordinated approach linking together today’s incremental improvements and fragmented initiatives.  This will help to create a shared sense of direction among all organisations in the plastics sector, encourage further innovation and help the plastics value chain achieve stronger economics and better environmental outcomes.

As Dame Ellen MacArthur, Founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, explains, “The ultimate goal of the New Plastics Economy is to design a system where plastic packaging never becomes waste, and can re-enter the economy as either a valuable biological or technical material.”

Gerry McGarry, RPC bpi recycled products’ Managing Director, says the New Plastics Economy initiative will become an important part of the group’s sustainability programme.  “Everyone recognises the essential and valuable contribution that plastics have made to many different areas of our daily lives,” he explains.  “It is vital that we complement the materials’ acknowledged benefits with maximising the industry’s contribution to a more circular economy.  The joint purpose and commitment of the many different organisations in the New Plastics Economy initiative will be a key factor in achieving this.”

The New Plastics Economy has now produced a second report, presenting the latest research findings and action plans, which was launched to business and government leaders at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.