The FPF FlexCollect report<\/a> concluded that FPP can be \u201ceffectively collected\u201d across all service types with minimal to no disruption using dedicated bags or, in some instances, loose collection combined with other recyclable materials.<\/p>\n Nearly 90% of the collected material (including collection bags) was target material and was found to be \u201cvery clean\u201d \u2013 which Ecosurety said demonstrated good sorting behaviour and low contamination.<\/p>\n The scheme proved popular with residents, with an 89% satisfaction rate among surveyed householders.<\/p>\n Recycling end markets saw recovery rates of around 80% when recycled to new flakes or pellets and up to 100% when recycled into plastic timber products.<\/p>\n Effect on local authorities<\/strong><\/p>\n The report found that that the trial had a minimal impact on local authorities, including no impact on collection round times.<\/p>\n All participating Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) successfully accepted and processed the FPP, with little to no impact on their existing operations.<\/p>\n The report added that modifications, where necessary, were relatively straightforward to implement, such as the implementation of additional bays or new conveyors.<\/p>\n Ecosurety cautioned that local authorities which opt for loose collections may see the need for greater investment.<\/p>\n Collection costs ranged between \u00a31.96 to \u00a33.14 per household annually, whilst sorting costs ranged between \u00a30.17 and \u00a30.64 per household annually. The cost is predicted to decrease in the second year of service.<\/p>\n Infrastructure capacity deficit<\/strong><\/p>\n The report identified that there is currently insufficient recycling capacity for the future demand from 2027.<\/p>\n However, 100,000 tonnes of planned or in development facilities, combined with potential spare capacity in European facilities, will reportedly meet a significant amount of the demand.<\/p>\n The blueprint provides a clear signal to accelerate investment in UK-based reprocessing capacity and develop robust end markets for recycled flexible plastic packaging.<\/p>\n The FPF said that it intends to continue its work on FPP by undertaking in-depth research into the recycling of this material to support the transition to a truly circular system, where FPP is turned back into high-value products.<\/p>\n Gareth Morton, FPF representative and Discovery Manager at Ecosurety, said: \u201cFlexCollect has shown that collecting plastic bags and wrapping from people\u2019s homes is not only possible \u2013 it\u2019s popular, efficient, and scalable.<\/p>\n \u201cThis report is the culmination of years of hard work by the FPF project partners, and a critical step towards a circular economic system for flexible plastic packaging in the UK.<\/p>\n \u201cBut we\u2019re not done yet, the FPF is planning its next major project, which will look at the necessary conditions required for industry to recycle this material at scale.\u201d<\/p>\n Launch event<\/strong><\/p>\n The report will be formally launched today (1 September 2025) at the Houses of Parliament at an event sponsored by Amanda Hack MP and attended by Mary Creagh CBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Defra.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/FlexCollect-Trials-2-300x225.jpeg\"\/)
<\/a>Image credit: Ecosurety<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/FlexCollect-Trials-3-300x225.jpeg\"\/)
<\/a>Image credit: Ecosurety<\/p>\n