The Packaging and Films Association (PAFA) has expressed concern that the government risks setting unachievable plastic recycling targets before ensuring there is the infrastructure in place to make recycling more efficient in the UK.

PAFA has said its calls for collaboration and major investment in the matter have “fallen on deaf ears” following the announcement of a 56.9 per cent plastics recycling target by 2020 by the government.

DEFRA and devolved governments have launched a study, Consultation on Implementing the Packaging Strategy, but both the plastic and aluminium sectors have said the proposals are not achievable with the current state of UK recycling infrastructure.

PAFA’s chief executive designate, Barry Turner, said: “The new UK targets are higher than any other European country in spite of the fact that others have achieved far more consistent collection and sorting methodologies at local level. In the UK, we have a widely disparate approach from one local authority to the next and even borough-to-borough in London.

“This is simply because the UK has not sufficiently encouraged local authorities to operate to a consistent collection strategy supported by well-invested sorting facilities. These are a crucial pre-requisite if we are to succeed in providing the uncontaminated materials required to feed good-quality recycling markets. The result is that we are way behind in recycling infrastructure yet targets are being set that are higher than across Europe.”

PAFA said that the essential mixed plastic films used in the majority of retail packaging suffer higher levels of contamination in the waste stream and, according to a recent WRAP report on MRF Quality, are left to the end of the sorting process at most municipal recycling facilities.

PAFA also said that while local authority recycling targets continue to be driven by weight, plastic as the lightest packaging material will always be the last priority for council collection and sorting.

Turner added: “Setting targets before we get firm and consistent strategic thinking will lead to a failure to move forward. We need strong leadership from Westminster linked to serious investment in UK recycling, not only before we can move towards achieving better recycling rates but if we are to have any chance of developing the UK recycling industry.”