The UK government has released a report highlighting investment opportunities in the waste management sector. The report identifies food waste, plastic, and paper and cardboard as having significant investment potential, with growth forecasts ranging from 39% to 100%. Glass and metal (steel and aluminum) are expected to see moderate growth, while garden waste is expected to see a marginal increase of 4%. The report aims to “signal to investors” where there is over or under-provision of waste management capacity to direct investment. It is based on waste generation data for 2020 and forecasts for 2025, 2030, and 2035. The report also notes that there are barriers to investment in recycling infrastructure and encourages investors and recyclers to support this work. The government is working to support the transition to a circular economy and has set up a Circular Economy Taskforce to achieve this goal. The report is the first part of an upcoming suite of “Waste Infrastructure Analyses” aimed at helping to drive economic growth and positive environmental change.
Significant returns expected through innovative recycling solutions in the plastics and food waste management sectors.
