RECOUP launches UK trial on bio-based materials in recycling plants

RECOUP has begun trials at UK Materials Recovery Facilities to test whether bio-based, biodegradable and compostable packaging materials can be reliably sorted alongside conventional packaging. The work forms the second phase of the Innovate UK-funded BB-REG-NET programme, led by the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association, and will also assess the case for organic recycling of certified compostable packaging.

Why this mattersResults will determine whether MRFs can handle a growing range of bio-based packaging without disrupting existing sorting streams for conventional plastics and fibre.

• RECOUP is leading trials at UK Materials Recovery Facilities to test sorting of bio-based, biodegradable and compostable materials.
• The trials are part of the second phase of the UK Bio-Based Solutions Network (BB-REG-NET), funded by Innovate UK's Regulatory Science and Innovation Networks programme.
• The consortium includes BBIA, University of Sheffield, Biorenewables Development Centre, BSI, Alder BioInsights, Perspective Economics, Twig Bio and Resource Media.
• The UK bio-based chemicals and materials sector comprises more than 1,200 businesses and generates over USD 16.6bn (GBP 12.5bn) in annual revenue.
• Innovate UK estimates the sector could be worth more than USD 270bn (GBP 204bn) annually by 2050.
• The programme will produce a Material Sustainability Assessment Tool and an AI-enabled Regulatory Intelligence Platform to guide commercialisation.

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