The Liquid Food Carton Manufacturers' Association (LFCMA) is targeting achieving 10% carton recycling by 2008 (the current rate is 1.8%).
Sixteen UK local authorities currently collect cartons separately for reprocessing at the specialised Smith-Anderson mill in Fife, a number through "bring" banks.
New LFCMA research reveals a further 144 councils are interested in adding beverage cartons to their dry recyclable collections – a goal the LFCMA intends supporting by establishing collection systems.
The Association has also just launched Wales's first carton recycling project in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council and Carmarthenshire Recycling. Fruit juice, soup, sauce and milk cartons will be collected at the county's civic amenity sites and schools for recycling into carrier bags and composting sacks.
