Commenting on the move, Richard Hands, Chief Executive of ACE UK said: “We believe that simple easy to understand on-pack recycling information is vital in helping consumers to recycle more. To this end we have worked closely with OPRL for several years, including developing the special beverage carton recycling label which reflects the wide availability of local authority collection services for cartons, often at kerbside. Clear information and leadership is required to achieve our common aims of greater and more effective recycling, and by joining together we believe we can better realise these aims.”
The move to a more formal relationship signals greater collaboration in future as both organisations seek to maximise beverage carton recycling by engaging consumers more effectively.
Jane Bevis, Chair of OPRL Ltd added: “This is a significant step in OPRL’s development as we build closer ties with other industry bodies working to increase recycling. It is essential that there is clear and coherent leadership, not only to meet the UK’s recycling targets, but also to establish the material base of the circular economy and growth of green jobs here in the UK.
“We’re very excited that ACE UK is the first of what we hope will be a number of new owners joining current owners the BRC. We are immensely grateful to the BRC for all the support they’ve given since our launch in 2009 and are delighted they will continue their interest as joint owners as we move into this next phase of our development.”
The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) UK provides a platform for the industry to profile and benchmark cartons as a renewable, recyclable and low-carbon packaging choice, and to drive its environmental initiatives. This includes running the industry’s carton recycling programme.
