Alupro joins OPRL as latest guarantor

By Imogen Benson | 25 October 2019 | Add a Comment

The Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) has become a guarantor for the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme.

OPRL, which currently has over 400 members, aims to reduce consumer confusion by providing consistent visual cues on whether or not packaging can be recycled.

An OPRL label on a jar of honey

Existing guarantors for OPRL include INCPEN (the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment), ACE UK (the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment), CPI (the Confederation of Paper Industries), LARAC (the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee) and plastic recycling charity RECOUP.

Rick Hindley, Chief Executive of Alupro, said: “We are delighted to become a guarantor to OPRL; our members recognise the huge importance of clear messaging to consumers to encourage recycling, and on-pack recycling labelling is a vitally important element of the communication toolkit.

“We look forward to working with OPRL and its partners to further develop a clear and unambiguous labelling system.”

Jane Bevis, Chair of OPRL, added: “Our strength lies in the broad coalition of organisations supporting our labelling scheme and recycling evaluation and design activities.

“The public and participating businesses know that the same evaluation framework and rigour is applied to all packaging, and the same simple and easily recognisable recycling information given to consumers. That’s why, in just 10 years, our labels are so widely recognised and trusted.

“We share with all our guarantors a commitment to support the growth of a circular economy in packaging and packaging materials. This closer relationship with Alupro broadens the range of materials covered, enabling us to draw on their expertise and insight into aluminium packaging-related issues.

“We continue to develop the right tools to support members in responding to the evolving packaging agenda, delivering more recyclable packaging ranges and engaging consumers more effectively in recycling that packaging.”

OPRL has had a significant impact on improving consumer understanding – a recent study by plastics recycling charity RECOUP found that confusion over what to do with packaging was markedly reduced when the packaging bore OPRL labels.

The labelling scheme, which celebrated 10 years since its foundation in February, has recently reviewed its labelling rules to keep up with developments in recycling services.

You can find out more information on the OPRL website.