The UK’s OPRL is introducing its ‘Recycle’ label for all carton packaging for food, beverages, and other liquids, starting April 2026, MRW reported.
This adjustment in recycling guidance, particularly for chilled and aseptic products, reportedly highlights the carton packaging sector’s commitment to improving the collection and recycling of these materials.
The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) UK stated that this change represents the first instance where all domestic liquid cartons will be recognised as recyclable through household collection systems.
The OPRL, which oversees the region’s current labelling system for recycling, noted that these updates will align with the rollout of ‘Simpler Recycling’ guidelines for household collections, aimed at helping consumers understand how to dispose of packaging correctly.
ACE UK has characterised this announcement as a significant development, resulting from investments and collaborative efforts with the waste and recycling industry to bolster national capacity for recycling cartons from households.
Presently, kerbside collection of cartons is available in 69% of local authority areas.
To be eligible for the OPRL Recycle label, a packaging type must have at least 75% of local authorities providing collection services for it, a target expected to be achieved next year, according to ACE UK.
A representative from the association mentioned that its members, including Tetra Pak, Elopak, and SIG Combibloc, have been working with local authorities for several years to facilitate the collection of liquid cartons.
ACE UK also intends to continue its collaboration with councils to address practical challenges related to carton acceptance and to inform them about available incentives for sorting cartons.
A survey conducted by the OPRL last month, which included over 5,000 participants from England, Scotland, and Wales, found that 81% of respondents were familiar with these recycling labels.
Additionally, 89% reported using these labels to inform their recycling decisions.
Under the current OPRL framework, liquid cartons carry a label advising householders to either take them to a recycling point or check with their local authority regarding accepted recyclable materials.
This guidance is set to change, with cartons being classified as suitable for home recycling, although specific instructions regarding the disposal of caps will be provided.
ACE UK is also seeking to expand kerbside collection services by collaborating with a wider range of local authorities.
Currently, approximately 361 councils in the UK offer kerbside collections in preparation for the upcoming regulatory changes.
ACE UK external affairs head Ben Powell said: “Through our Carton Ready Campaign, ACE UK is working with local councils to assist with the transition to kerbside collection.
“Through our research and ongoing relationships with councils, we were able to demonstrate to OPRL that kerbside collections from households are on course to exceed the 75% threshold by April at the latest.”
