Every July, millions of people around the world take part in Plastic Free July, a global movement that encourages individuals, businesses and communities to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. More than just a month-long challenge, it serves as an opportunity to rethink how we use and consume plastic throughout the year.
The importance of initiatives like Plastic Free July is clear. In the UK, only an estimated 10% to 17% of plastic waste is recycled into new products. The vast majority – between 83% and 90% – is incinerated, exported or sent to landfill, amounting to almost 4 million tons of plastic waste each year. These figures highlight the scale of the challenge and the need for businesses and consumers to take a more responsible approach to plastic use and disposal.
For businesses, Plastic Free July provides an ideal opportunity to review current practices and identify practical ways to reduce plastic waste. This could include replacing disposable items with reusable alternatives, choosing products with less packaging, improving waste segregation or introducing more effective recycling systems. Even small changes can deliver meaningful environmental benefits over time.
Turning Plastic Waste into a Resource
At MYGroup, tackling plastic waste is something we focus on all year round. We recognise that eliminating plastic entirely isn’t always possible. Many sectors rely on plastic for packaging, product protection and operational efficiency. That’s why our focus is on helping organisations improve their plastic waste management and recycling processes once materials have reached the end of their intended use.
Our specialist plastic recycling solutions are designed to recover value from hard-to-recycle waste streams that might otherwise be lost to landfill or incineration. By transforming waste into valuable secondary materials, we help businesses reduce disposal costs, increase recycling rates and make meaningful progress towards their sustainability goals.
Working with organisations across retail, manufacturing, healthcare and many other sectors, we help keep valuable materials in circulation and support the transition towards a more circular economy. Through innovative recycling and resource recovery solutions, we enable businesses to view waste not as a problem, but as an opportunity.
Progress, Not Perfection
Plastic Free July reminds us that sustainability is about progress, not perfection. Every organisation is at a different stage of its environmental journey, and improvements often begin with simple actions. Understanding what materials are being discarded, reviewing existing waste streams and identifying opportunities for greater recycling can all be important first steps.
Whether it’s reducing unnecessary plastic consumption, improving waste segregation or introducing specialist recycling solutions for hard-to-recycle materials, every step contributes to a more sustainable future.
This July, challenge your business to think beyond simply reducing single-use plastics. By improving waste management practices, increasing plastic recycling rates and finding new ways to keep materials in use for longer, you can create a positive impact that extends far beyond a single month.
Together, we can transform plastic waste from a disposal challenge into a valuable resource, helping to build a more sustainable future and a truly circular economy.
Looking to improve your organisation’s plastic waste management? Contact MYGroup today to discover how our specialist recycling solutions can help you reduce waste, increase recycling rates and support your sustainability goals.
