Soft plastics recycling booming with consumer buy-in 'biggest constraint'

Four years after the abrupt collapse of the REDcycle soft plastics recycling scheme, the industry in Australia has not only processed all the accumulated legacy waste but is now experiencing a boom. The previous scheme shut down in 2022, leaving significant stockpiles of plastic in warehouses across multiple states and owing creditors approximately $5 million. A new national recycling initiative, managed by Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA), has resumed collections and now operates at nearly three times the capacity REDcycle achieved at its peak. However, the sector's primary challenge has shifted from finding recyclers to motivating consumers. "Our biggest constraint at the moment is collecting enough material for all these facilities," stated SPSA Co-CEO Barry Cosier. "So, we now have the opposite issue of REDcycle." Currently, over 700 collection points are established in supermarkets nationwide, providing recycling access to nearly 70 percent of Australians. SPSA is also piloting kerbside bin collections in partnership with 10 councils, servicing about 150,000 homes. Recyclers emphasize their commitment to sustainability through diversified markets and advanced technology. Unlike REDcycle's reliance on compression molding, current methods can transform soft plastics into pellets and flakes, enabling the creation of a broader array of new plastic products. The industry's processing capacity has surged, with recycling partners now able to handle over 20,000 tonnes annually, compared to REDcycle's peak of 8,000 tonnes. The largest facility alone is processing 14,000 tonnes and undergoing upgrades to reach 24,000 tonnes. Despite these advancements, regaining consumer trust and ensuring the long-term viability of the new scheme remain critical tasks.

“

Our biggest constraint at the moment is collecting enough material for all these facilities.