Recycler milks demand for rHDPE in dairy with huge expansion

UK-based Closed Loop Recycling has announced significant expansion to its HDPE recycling capabilities in order to meet the increasing demands for higher levels of rHDPE in milk bottles.

The recycler is implementing the major expansion which it says will double the supply of recycled HDPE to the UK market, more than meeting the expected demand from the dairy industry as it works towards higher recycled content targets.

The investment in new infrastructure will make Closed Loop Recycling the biggest recycler of milk bottles in the world, the company says. It will increase capacity at the Dagenham-based plant to 55,000 tonnes per annum, creating the most advanced plastics purification facility in the UK and diverting a further 30,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in the process. 

"Recycled milk bottles are a massive win for the circular economy,” explained Chris Dow, CEO of Closed Loop Recycling.  “The increased demand for recycled content is an example of the whole industry working together – retailers, producers, brands and industry bodies – to implement an ambitious plan. This has created a sustainable business model with enormous potential for the future.

“There has been a huge commitment from the companies in this sector, including our customers, who have invested in technology and plants to complete the HDPE recycling loop. I am confident that our expansion will bring the 2020 target of 50 percent recycled material in plastic bottles closer,” continued Dow.

Dr Liz Goodwin, Chief Executive of WRAP, commented: “Closed Loop Recycling’s expansion in order to meet forecast demand for recycled content in milk bottle packaging is the perfect example of how businesses can work together to achieve the economic and environmental benefits of a circular economy. It’s great to see circular economy ideas being converted into positive action.”

Closed Loop Recycling is implementing an awareness campaign with local authorities to increase collection rates of milk bottles. This will support the ongoing goals of the Dairy Roadmap whereby dairy processors, farmers and retailers are working together with government to develop a raft of environmental improvements within the dairy industry.