Plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity RECOUP launched their inaugural awards at their annual conference to celebrate excellence in plastics recycling and resource efficiency, the first in its 32-year history.

The awards, presented by Stuart Foster, CEO, RECOUP generated a lot of interest from across the plastics resources and recycling value chain with strong entries received for both categories. The first winner announced was for the ‘Best Development or Innovation to enhance recyclability or re-use' award which was presented to Berry Global with their Paint container recycling programme. Berry Global overcame the problem of recycling residual paint containers by partnering up with Paint360 to devise a circular partnership which combined paint and packaging recovery with recycling. 

The winner of the second award for ‘Recycled Plastic Product of the Year’ was presented to Beko, for their recycled plastic washing machine tub. Stuart Foster, CEO, RECOUP commented “Not only did the entry prove to increase the recycled content by replacing some PP and fibreglass with recycled PET flakes and reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumptions with its patented production method, but the product is scalable to use not only across washing machines, but also tumble dryers and some dishwashers. The market scale was the most impressive aspect of this entry.”

The surprise Chairman’s award, presented by Jim Armstrong, Chairman, at RECOUP was awarded to recognise an individual outside of RECOUP and the Board who has enabled the organisation to fulfil their aims of driving forward plastics recycling and resource management through dedicating their time, knowledge and support. The award was presented to Francesca Hawes, MRF Operations Manager, Amey. 

Stuart Foster, CEO, RECOUP continued “There were quite a few nominations from the team for this Chairman’s award, but the standout was someone who really went the extra mile, not just over the last 12 months, but over the last few years.  Fran Hawes from Amey has been instrumental in improving packaging recyclability through facilitating sorting and technology trials and tests and is well deserving of this award.”   

Francesca Hawes, MRF Operations Manager, Amey, commented “Supporting RECOUP and their members by testing new packaging designs in the practical setting of Waterbeach MRF over the last 5 years has been a joy. Seeing the innovative designs that come through gives me great hope that the entire packaging chain are actively challenging the status quo and will be successful in fulfilling ambitious goals to achieve true circularity.” 

Don’t miss out on submitting an entry to the RECOUP annual awards next year. The deadline will be announced in due course.