Transition Penwith

Ask the public what they have the biggest problem with as far as waste reduction and recycling are concerned and they will say “packaging” and particularly “plastic packaging”.
Ask the packaging industry what they have to say in response and they will say packaging is necessary to protect food, to prolong its life, and for branding, transport and information.
Ask local authorities what they think and they will say there are too many types of plastic, too few markets, they are light weight and voluminous and therefore can be difficult and costly to collect.

So where does the balance lie? How much reduction can be sensibly achieved? Is there a place for re-use? How viable is mixed plastic recycling and can it be carried out sustainably in the UK?

Much work is being done both nationally and locally to reduce packaging waste, to make it reusable, to make it recyclable and to increase its recyclate content. This conference aims to bring delegates up to date on the current research, national company initiatives and local best practice.

• Advice for businesses will be on hand from Envirowise and Envision.
• Bring along a plastic sample and find out if it can be recycled.

Contact:      Marjorie Riggs
Email:     marjorie.riggs@devon.gov.uk
Phone:     01392 383387