ACE UK becomes joint owner of OPRL Ltd
CE UK, the beverage carton recycling body and trade association, is to become joint owner of OPRL, which runs the packaging recycling label scheme. The move is the first step in broadening ownership across bodies that share OPRL's mission to promote greater and more effective recycling of packaging materials, with the aim of creating a strong leadership position for the industry on recycling issues.
OPRL and ACE UK, whose members are leading beverage carton manufacturers Tetra Pak, Elopak and SIG Combibloc, have worked closely together for several years, developing the special beverage carton recycling label which reflects the wide availability of local authority collection services for cartons, often at kerbside. The move to a more formal relationship signals greater collaboration in future as both organisations seek to maximise recycling of beverage cartons by engaging consumers more effectively.
Commenting on the move Richard Hands, Chief Executive of ACE UK said "Simple, easy to understand, on-pack recycling information is vital in helping consumers to recycle more. Having already worked closely with OPRL, creating a more formal relationship is the next logical step. Clear information and leadership are required to achieve our common aims of greater and more effective collection, and by joining together we believe we can better realise these aims."
Jane Bevis, Chair of OPRL Ltd added "This is a significant step in OPRL's development as we build closer ties with other industry bodies working to increase recycling. It is essential that there is clear and coherent leadership, not only to meet the UK's recycling targets, but also to establish the material base of the circular economy and growth of green jobs here in the UK. We believe business has a huge role to play in this, but that means key business bodies coming together to give a unified and consistent message.
"We're very excited that ACE UK is the first of what we hope will be a number of new owners joining current owners the British Retail Consortium, the leading trade association for the retail sector. We're immensely grateful to the BRC for all the support they've given since our launch in 2009 and are delighted they will continue their interest as joint owners as we move into this next phase of our development."
