BPF Recycling Group Vice-Chairman interviewed by BBC

The Vice-Chairman of the BPF Recycling Group, Keith Freegard, did four interviews for the BBC on 2^nd January for different programes they were producing during that day. The programmes included BBC world, BBC 1 O'Clock, BBC news and BBC radio three counties.

The interviews were linked to the subject of China banning plastic from being imported.  This issue has been covered by all the national press over the last few weeks so it was an opportunity to communicate the Recycling Group’s view on this as well as other key messages.

In the interview Keith conveyed the big challenge now facing the industry due to the restrictions in place in China. Although not a complete ban, the 0.5% contamination level will remove this market as an option for a lot of material and finding alternative markets will be challenge. He explained the policy vacuum there has been in the UK with no strategic plan for material and resources. This has meant that there has not been investment in infrastructure in the UK with instead a reliance on exporting material.  

Keith was able to demonstrate through his own company, Axion Recycling, how a circular flow of material in the UK can be produced and how this can create jobs and help with economic wealth.

Keith also explained that following the annoucement by China Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has focused solely on a need to improve collection and quality and not recognised the need for demand creation for recycled material.

Sky news also interviewed Keith before Christmas for a piece on recycling over Christmas and understanding what can be recycled.