WRAP delivers major plastic crisis grant as COP26 delegates center on circular economy
10 Nov 2021 --- Environmental sustainability charity WRAP and non-departmental public body UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have launched a £1.7 million (US$2.3 million) UK fund to support projects reducing the environmental impact of plastics in India, Chile, Kenya and South Africa. The fund was announced yesterday on Science and Innovation Day at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).
David Rogers, head of international programmes at WRAP, tells PackagingInsights it became clear during COP26’s first week that, despite food, food waste and the circular economy not being on the official agenda, these are “really important subjects for delegates.”
“We have been speaking about these issues throughout COP26, and it’s been fantastic to see them become key talking points in the side sessions. We’ve seen momentum grow behind our core message that ‘we won’t fix climate change if we don’t fix our food system’ and how resource efficiency will play a crucial role in the next ten years.”
“So COP26 has highlighted a growing coalition for action. Businesses are leading practical action, and we need to see more collaboration and the same level of ambition, drive and speed from around the world. We believe we can change, but collaboration will be key, and we’ve got to move fast.”
Key nations, global potential
WRAP and UKRI’s International Circular Plastics Flagship Projects Competition is designed to address the problem of plastics pollution in the “key nations” of India, Chile, Kenya and South Africa.
David Rogers, head of international programmes at WRAP.Applicants can apply for funding ranging from £50,000 (US$68,000) up to £250,000 (US$338,000) for solutions responding to specific targets under the Plastics Pacts of each nation, ultimately helping reduce plastic pollution in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The funding focuses on four key themes:
- Flexible film packs including small format
- Reusable packaging and new business models
- Collection, sorting, cleaning and recycling
- End market development
“WRAP is committed to supporting Plastics Pacts around the world to achieve real, long-term impact. These pacts have identified particular challenges which we think this Flagship Competition can help to address,” explains Rogers.
“The geographic, economic and cultural contexts of these pacts and the challenges identified are relevant for neighboring countries and many countries around the world. Using WRAP’s global partnerships, we can share any proven innovations to accelerate positive change in many more countries.”
There is now reportedly a Plastics Pact in every populous continent on the planet. Organizations interested in applying for funding should do so before January 13, 2022.
Plastic waste and climate change
UK Prime minister Boris Johnson riled up the plastics recycling industry ahead of COP26 by claiming plastics recycling “doesn’t work” and “doesn’t begin to address the [pollution] problem.” Johnson suggests “we’ve all got to cut down our use of plastic” instead.
Nextek founder Edward Kosior voiced widespread concerns that Johnson has failed to communicate plastics’ benefits in the fight against climate change, ironically as the Prime minister spoke before COP26. “Plastics are a key part of preserving food, which represents a large carbon footprint loss if these foods are spoiled or contaminated,” he highlighted.
Rogers points out plastic also impacts climate change, contributing around 3-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
However, Rogers at WRAP reminds us that plastic also impacts climate change, contributing around 3-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. “Reduction, reuse and recycling as part of a circular economy for plastics has the potential to reduce this [number],” he tells PackagingInsights.
“Around 40-50% of global emissions come from the food we eat and the products we produce, use and dispose of. Our global work on plastics is one part of addressing this. We also work globally on food and textiles and will continue to look for opportunities to catalyze change around the world.”
WRAP, the UK-based charity responsible for the development of the UK Plastics Pact and other pacts worldwide, including those in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Network of Pacts, will deliver the grant on behalf of UKRI.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation says only 14% of all plastic packaging is collected for recycling worldwide. At the same time, advanced recycling technologies continue to proliferate globally.
In related news, DS Smith used its Circular Design Metrics for the first time to design and manufacture fiber-based packaging for a limited edition beer collection brewed with surplus bread. The COP26 initiative led by Toast Ale highlights the damaging impact of food waste on climate change.
By Joshua Poole
