Food and drink giants form new group to boost recycling in Scotland

The Packaging Recycling Group Scotland (PRGS), which includes names such as Coca-Cola Enterprises, the British Plastics Federation and Britvic, aims to work positively and collaboratively with the Scottish Government and its agencies, and with local authorities, to assist them in raising recycling awareness as well as in increasing recycling rates and quality.

PRGS co-ordinator Ian Shearer said: “We have strong support – almost 30 organisations now – with a collective desire to work more closely with key bodies on these objectives. A collaborative strategic approach, with a willingness to share knowledge and best practice, and develop partnership solutions, is the right way forward.

“PRGS is well-positioned to harness the expertise and enthusiasm for progress presented by an unprecedented coalition of market-leading manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and trade organisations – representing businesses large and small – with a proven track record of supporting Scottish recycling.”

Confirming that representatives of the newly-formed group had already held informal discussions with Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead, Shearer said: “With its zero waste ambitions and 2025 recycling targets, the Scottish Government is sending out a clear message that this is a priority.

“There is now an opportunity for Government and Zero Waste Scotland to forge a distinctly Scottish new partnership model to help leave a sustainable legacy for future generations, building on the significant progress and innovation in recycling of the last ten years. PRGS is committed to supporting such an approach.”

Liz Gyekye