Readiness Assessment of Material Recovery Facilities for Flexible Plastic Packaging

The assessment found a mixed picture across Scotland. While a small number of MRF operators have already invested in infrastructure, secured funding and identified end markets for collected material, many facilities are still developing their plans. Overall, 30% of operators assessed were fully ready to process flexible plastic packaging by March 2027, with a further 30% considered partially ready. However, 40% were found not yet ready, highlighting the scale of work still required across the sector.  

A key finding is that readiness extends beyond sorting infrastructure alone. Operators identified uncertainty around end markets, offtake arrangements, investment decisions and forthcoming policy changes, including the Deposit Return Scheme and the inclusion of incineration within the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.  

The research also highlights the importance of developing reliable supply chains and recycling capacity for flexible plastics. While operators demonstrated a willingness to adapt and prepare for the transition, many reported that securing long-term outlets for the material remains their most significant challenge. The findings provide valuable evidence to help inform future planning, investment and collaboration across Scotland's recycling sector. 

Overall Scottish MRFs were found to have mixed readiness for the introduction of the pEPR due to a variety of factors.  

• 30% of the MRFs interviewed, with an estimated stake of 19% of projected flexible plastics from Scottish Local Authorities (LAs) based on current contractual arrangements, were assessed as fully ready.
• 30% of MRF operators interviewed, with an estimated 21% of flexible plastics from Scottish LAs, were assessed as ‘partially ready’ referring to facilities that are likely to be ready for the March transition date although securing offtake remains a key barrier.
• 40% were assessed as not ready, covering around 45% of projected flexible plastics from Scottish LAs.  
• The preparedness for the remaining circa 15% of flexible plastics from Scottish LAs could not be verified as some MRF operators did not provide data or LA suppliers were not confirmed due to commercial confidentiality.