LARAC, the local authority recycling officers’ body, is to join the expanding ownership of OPRL, which runs the UK’s most widely recognised packaging recycling label scheme. This latest development underpins the importance of a shared approach to promoting greater and more effective recycling of packaging materials. It aims to create strong and united leadership on recycling issues.
OPRL and LARAC, have developed a positive working relationship in recent years. Lee Marshall, CEO of LARAC, is an OPRL Board member in an individual capacity, and has led OPRL’s work to provide communications assets to local authorities. The move to a more formal arrangement signals greater collaboration in future as both organisations seek to engage consumers in recycling more effectively.
Commenting on the move as LARAC’s annual conference convenes in Nottingham, Andrew Bird, Chair of LARAC, said “This is a powerful development as local authorities and business come together to maximise effective recycling. By getting a clear and consistent recyclability message to the consumer both on-pack and in council communications to householders we have the best chance of increasing both volume and quality of councils’ recycling collections. We’ve started some joint working and I’m sure much more is to come as we all seek to make the best use of shrinking budgets.”
Jane Bevis, Chair of OPRL Ltd added “This is a significant step in ensuring consistency of messaging, responding to WRAP’s recent report. We’re delighted that our links with other organisations promoting recycling continue to strengthen, and are particularly excited to bridge the public/private sector divide. It’s essential that customers hear consistent and clear messages, saving Council Tax costs and delivering significant environmental benefits against a background of public spending cuts.”
“WRAP’s call to action on consistent communications, and endorsement of the OPRL scheme as the label all packaging in the UK should carry, has raised the bar. Working with our owners and other materials organisations we will play a full part in delivering a more resource efficient future. We continue to expand the range of services available to our
