APE UK (Agriculture Plastics and Environment) continues to strengthen its role in promoting sustainable farming through improved management and recycling of agricultural plastics across the United Kingdom. The June 2025 newsletter outlines recent progress, partnerships, and goals for the coming years.
Strengthened Government Engagement
APE UK has officially joined the DEFRA Circular Economy Taskforce, contributing specifically to the AgriFood pillar.
In Wales, collaboration with the Four Rivers for LIFE project and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is helping to expand collection and recycling schemes in rural areas. The aim is to use this pilot as a scalable model for other regions.
Expanding Educational and Research Initiatives
APE UK is working closely with leading UK institutions such as Harper Adams University, LANDEX, and Coleg Sir Gâr to integrate agricultural plastic recycling into environmental education.
Workshops, farm visits, and presentations are helping raise awareness among students and industry stakeholders.
Collaboration with Industry and Associations
APE UK is actively partnering with manufacturers, agricultural distributors, and organisations including RECOUP, Red Tractor, BASF, and NFU.
These collaborations support the development of practical solutions for agri-plastic collection and reinforce the importance of responsible plastic use in agriculture.
Best Practices for On-Farm Plastic Recycling
To encourage better recycling rates, APE UK promotes four practical guidelines for farmers:
Sort and segregate plastics by type and colour
Clean and dry plastics to reduce recycling costs
Store safely to avoid contamination and weather damage
Recycle through certified collectors to ensure proper processing
The Four Rivers for LIFE Project
In Southwest Wales, APE UK is supporting the Four Rivers for LIFE project focused on improving river health and tackling agricultural pollution.
This initiative provides collection points and financial incentives for farmers to recycle silage wrap, feed bags, plastic buckets, netting, and twine.
APE UK aims to replicate this successful model in other regions.
Ambition: Raising UK Agri-Plastics Recycling to EU Levels
Currently, the UK recycles only 25–30% of agricultural plastics, compared to 70–95% in countries like Germany, France, Ireland, and Scandinavia.
APE UK’s goal is to reach 60–70% within the next five years by building industry consensus, engaging with government, and supporting farmers through accessible solutions.
Learn More
To explore agri-plastic recycling initiatives or discover how to manage plastic waste on your farm, visit the official APE UK website: www.ape-uk.com
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