Closed Loop CEO “overwhelmed” by support after administration warning

The CEO of a the UK’s biggest plastic milk bottle recycler, which last week announced it faced administration, has thanked the supply chain for its “overwhelming support” since the announcement was made.

Chris Dow told the Guardian Newspaperthat the company faced “collapse” due to the slump in global oil prices and the ongoing supermarket price war and that it was “the collateral damage” from the situation.

The company has since reported support for the UK’s plastic recycling industry from across the supply chain, with Dow citing Dairy UK, Dairy Crest and the Co-Operative Food Group as those who have been vocal in their backing.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support across the supply chain for the UK plastic recycling industry,” Dow said. “This is a message that has been repeated by all the key stakeholders across the Dairy Roadmap. They have made their support public, and WRAP now has a solution on the table to ensure the future of plastic recycling. The cost to secure the future of this industry is just 10th of a penny on a two-pint bottle of milk.”

Dairy UK said:  “(The industry is) keenly aware that the plastic recycling industry is facing difficult times and we have every intention to meet our targets…It is crucial that all sides of the supply chain work together with government to achieve these results.”

Echoing these sentiments, a spokesperson for Dairy Crest said that the company "remains committed to rHDPE" and will continue its involvement with the Dairy Roadmap and a spokesperson for The Co-operative Food said the company has “no plans” to move away from using recycled content in its milk bottles and that it will “continue to help in the progress” towards the Dairy Roadmap targets for recycled content.

Concluding, Dow added that environmental group, Friends of the Earth, has launched a campaign of support with its members who want to see recycled milk bottle content in their plastic milk bottles. “We know from a recent You Gov survey that 68 percent of UK consumers support the future of the industry and are happy to pay the additional 10th of a penny to ensure this,” he added.