Good news from Yorkshire this week, as a group of retailers have come together in an attempt to boost the recycling rates of on-the-go food packaging in Leeds.

The #LeedsByDesign campaign is the brainchild of environmental charity The Hubbub Foundation and Ecosurety, a leading recycling compliance scheme, in conjunction with Leeds City Council. It has been designed to address the growing recycling challenge posed by millennials, who are twice as likely as older generations to buy on-the-go food but less likely to recycle.

The campaign will involve cutting-edge technology, new recycling facilities and engaging communications activities being piloted across Leeds city centre, beginning in September 2018 and running for six months. Businesses backing the scheme include Asda, Coca-Cola GB, Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Marks and Spencer and the Association of Convenience Stores.

One of the initiative’s key elements will be the trial of an app, developed by On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL), which helps consumers understand what and how to recycle by scanning on-pack barcodes. A map will also show them directions to recycling points in their area.

Director and Co-Founder of Hubbub, Gavin Ellis, said: “We know that the public want to do the right thing and recycle as much as they can but are often confused as to how to do this or simply don’t have access to the recycling facilities they need while they’re out and about, (which is why) we’ll be providing subsidised recycling bins, communications support and advice.”

At TrakRap, we think this is a great idea and we will be keeping a close eye on its progress. Making the recycling process easier for consumers to engage with will be vital in the pursuit of a sustainable future.