Recycling and the use of plastics has never been a hotter topic and of such high priority in the UK than it has been in the last year. Following 2018’s Recycle Week campaign, which has raised awareness and driven motivation across the country to reduce the use of single-use plastics, sustainability remains firmly on the national agenda. This year’s theme “Recycling. It’s in our own hands.” really drives the awareness that we all need to be taking action, both organisations and consumers alike when it comes to recycling.
An average of 35.8 million plastic bottles are used every day in the UK and only around 55% of these are recycled. This year, the Recycle Week campaign aims to inspire people nationwide to do their bit to increase this percentage and recycle as much as possible, making recycling the new norm.
What is Water Direct doing to help?
At Water Direct, we’re committed to the promotion of the circular economy and zero to waste landfill which is echoed across our product line-up. All of our plastic bottles are 100% recyclable, making it easier for our customers and their end consumers to correctly dispose of them after use, and we offer an Event Recycling Kit to help our customers manage waste.
Our commitment has also influenced the introduction of our newest product; With government targets in place – including an average of 30% recycled content across all plastic packaging by 2025 – we have introduced the new Highland Spring Eco Bottle, made from 100% recycled* plastic (rPET). This new addition comes just 6 weeks after introducing Eco for Life, plastic-free bottles that offer a biodegradable alternative, and adds to our suite of recycled plastic options with most of our producers using a minimum of 50% rPET.
Not only does this mean we’re ahead of the 2025 industry target, but it means we can help our customers achieve their environmental goals, offering a number of options to choose from.
Bottled water can be an economical and simple-to-manage option for many event organisers, construction sites and railway projects alike. But with wider concern over the impact plastic can have on the environment, companies and consumers have been seeking answers and solutions to prevent plastics from ending up in landfill or the environment.
We’ve made it our mission over the years to create innovative alternatives and options to make sure our customers always have a choice, where plastic may not be a desirable option.
These include static tanks which can be used as standalone drinking water and refill stations, or our 1,000 litre Aqube which provides a supply of drinking water in a 100% recyclable container. Once the water inside has been used, the Aqube simply folds down ready to be recycled locally, without the need for transport to collect after use, further reducing carbon footprint.
We encourage all of our customers to recycle and stand behind the campaign to increase awareness and motivation around it. With a full nationwide effort, we can all continue to contribute to and boost the circular economy, reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill and make recycling the new norm.
*Bottle is 100% recycled plastic, label and cap are not made from recycled plastic. Bottle, label and cap are all 100% recyclable.