The Southern Co-op has opened 29 new soft plastic recycling points across its network.
The convenience store franchise will accept flexible plastics which cannot typically be recycled at home including crisp packs, cling film and carrier bags.
According to the symbol group, the soft plastics will be sent to Jayplas, a company which is set to turn the waste into “post-consumer plastic granules” to be used in products such as construction materials, buckets and bin liners.
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The move follows a successful trial launch in July at a national Co-op location after the retailer discovered that 86 per cent of customers reported that they would be willing to use the service.
The recycling points will initially be available in Bognor Regis, Sturminster, Weymouth, Bournemouth, Horsham, Windsor, Addlestone, Hampshire, Bradford on Avon, Bristol, Freshwater, Broadbridge Heath, Wrecclesham, Chichester, East Wittering and Exmouth.
“We would urge all our customers and members to make use of these new recycling points,” Southern Co-op chief operating officer Simon Eastwood said.
“Simply give it a quick clean, scrunch it up to test if it is soft plastic, and pop it into store.”
Southern Co-op director of sustainability and communications Gemma Lacey added: “The appetite for change is there within our communities.
“By making it easier for households to recycle all their plastic food packaging, we can help people play their part in making a positive difference to our environment.”
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