14 February 2020
Vara meets local company advising on plastic waste

Shailesh Vara MP recently met with Stuart Foster, Chief Executive Officer of RECOUP, a leading authority on plastic waste and resource management, to discuss the importance of plastic recycling and the need to change the behaviour of industry.

In the UK it is estimated that five million tonnes of plastic is used every year, nearly half of which is packaging. Without urgent action to cut demand, it is estimated that 34 billion tonnes of plastic will have been manufactured globally by 2050.

Mr Vara is keen to see changes made to plastic waste, which can take centuries to decompose. Plastic has many benefits but change is needed to reduce the amount of plastic that is sent to landfill, discarded in our local communities and which pollutes our rivers, oceans and natural habitats.

RECOUP is based in Peterborough and it recognises the pressure and attention that has been placed on reducing plastics in recent years. The company works across various sectors to deliver change through increased recycling and better use of plastic resources.

Mr Vara discussed with Mr Foster the need to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste and heard of the work that RECOUP are doing locally and nationally to support many organisations including Peterborough City Council, Unilever, Coca Cola and many more.

Mr Vara said: “It was good to meet with Stuart to hear of RECOUP’s work to implement change with plastic and their plans to expand their expertise to the Greater Peterborough region.

“There are a number of benefits to plastic, but it is important that it is recycled and reused in the correct way so that we can protect our natural environment for future generations. Large organisations play an integral role in this but we also need to do all we can to encourage people to recycle and use resources more efficiently.”

Stuart Foster, CEO for RECOUP added: “It was fantastic to have the opportunity to discuss environmental issues and particularly plastics resources and recycling with Mr Vara. His enthusiasm and support for our work is very much welcomed.

“Our work now is more important than ever before with the environment and plastics firmly in the media, consumer and political spotlight. We are keen to continue supporting local and national activities to help consumers and businesses make a real difference through recycling more, reducing waste and preventing litter”.

Photo: Shailesh Vara MP and Stuart Foster from RECOUP.

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Shailesh Vara MP and Stuart Foster from RECOUP.