Business
Can the plastic recycling industry be saved?
MaryLou CostaTechnology Reporter
Getty ImagesIn the plastic recycling industry, the casualties keep coming.
Waste management company Biffa’s Sunderland plant closed in February after opening in 2022 at a cost of £7m, while rival Viridor closed its Avonmouth plant in 2022, Skelmersdale in 2023 and confirmed this summer that its Rochester plant would close, too.
Like falling dominoes, plastic recycling plant closures have been endemic across Europe too: another big name, Veolia, will close its two German operations this year, while seven plastic recyclers closed in the Netherlands last year.
Meanwhile, companies Borealis, Dow and Nester have all dropped plans to construct new plastic recycling plants in Europe.
Industry body Plastic Recyclers Europe equates this to the loss of nearly one million tonnes of plastic recycling capacity since 2023.
“Without decisive political action, Europe will replace its recycling industry with dependency on unsustainable imports and growing volumes of waste, undermining both its economic resilience and its climate leadership,” the organisation told the BBC in a statement.
And more closures are likely, warns James McLeary, managing director for Biffa’s polymers division, as the industry here and in Europe faces its most challenging year yet. High energy and labour costs here are two factors, in parallel with the fact that sourcing virgin and recycled plastic from Asia is currently cheaper than buying European recycled plastic.
Plastic recycling plant closures are affecting the US as well, also prompted by the low price of virgin plastic, causing the country to miss its recycled content targets, as S&P Global reports.
“There’s a big global dependence building on Asian plants, and we then have the situation where (plant operators in the UK and Europe) are going to make very tough decisions. Either they run their plants at a point where they’re literally not making anything, or they decide to close,” explains Mr McLeary, who is based in County Durham.
Getty ImagesA dependence on exporting plastic waste also hasn’t helped. The UK exported around 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste last year, according to environmental analysts at ENDS Report – 5% more than in 2023.
Loopholes in current UK legislation mean plastic waste collectors are inadvertently incentivised to export rather than process domestically. Meanwhile, manufacturers using plastic packaging are still inclined to use cheaper virgin plastic from abroad, and stomach being taxed for it.
Ahmed Detta, CEO and founder of plastic waste recycler Enviroo, is frustrated by the flaws and contradictions that he feels are plaguing the industry and disrupting the goal of creating a circular economy that keeps materials in use for as long as possible.
“For me, a circular economy is a win-win. Every single person in that journey has to have some benefit, and that’s not working,” says Mr Detta, who is based in London.
“Brands aren’t aligning with the circular economy. They’re saying, ‘why should I buy recycled material when it’s cheaper for me to pay the fine for the plastics packaging tax, than actually pay for recycled materials? No one is saying, ‘let’s unite’.”
BiffaSo concerned is RECOUP, a UK-based plastic recycling independent authority, that its head of policy and infrastructure, Steve Morgan, warns: “We are almost witnessing the demise of plastic recycling as we know it, unless we have some interventions. There’s no way a lot of recyclers in the UK can compete.”
UK regulations have benefited foreign markets more than they have the UK, and serious reform is needed, Mr Morgan argues.
“There are an awful lot of fantastic technologies developing. But it’s a scale up of those and how they can actually make money, to continue to exist and then also thrive, is the secondary thing,” says Mr Morgan, who is based in Peterborough.
“The commercial viability long term is just not there at the moment. There are some really good people producing technologies that we couldn’t even dream of 10 years ago. But I just feel we’re not going to see any real change in the next two to three years without some intervention.”
RECOUP is urging the UK government to introduce a single plastic recycling certification scheme aimed at reducing the export of plastic waste and making more companies more inclined to use recycled packaging.
Mr Morgan is optimistic that a UK government consultation this year will seriously consider what changes should be implemented to save the plastic recycling industry.
Plastics EuropePackaging reforms are indeed being implemented, alongside £10bn of investment in new plastic sorting and processing facilities, according to a spokesperson from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
They also say the Deposit Return Scheme, launching in October 2027, will create higher quality material for recycling, as consumers will be encouraged to return drinks bottles and cans to collection points to collect the small deposit they will have paid on purchase. The government has also convened a Circular Economy Taskforce.
“Our collection and packaging reforms will support UK-based recycling, meaning we can reduce our dependency on exports of plastic waste,” says the spokesperson. “The export of waste is subject to strict controls set out in UK legislation.”
Over in Brussels, Virginia Janssens is the managing director at Plastics Europe, which represents plastic producers, including those with recycling operations and that use recycled materials. She’s concerned that the plastic recycling industry is set to flourish outside Europe.
“Business will go where it makes sense and where it’s cheapest to build. If those big production plans are built somewhere else, with huge investments of billions, they’re not all of a sudden then going to decide to go back and build one in Europe,” says Ms Janssens.
“It will have a huge effect on our value chain. It would set us back to 20 years ago, when we would have to incinerate or use landfill more, and that would be a real shame. Nobody wants this.”
But there are some bright spots in an otherwise struggling industry.
Biffa, for example, has recently acquired bottle manufacturer Esterform, which uses recycled PET.
Meanwhile, Enviroo recently secured £58m to build a new recycling facility in the north-west of England, specialising in converting PET drink bottles into a recycled granulate that can be used in food packaging.
Due to be operational by 2026, the plant is expected to process up to 35,000 tonnes of plastic annually.
Mr Detta believes being a specialist in an industry of generalists, and going back to the fundamentals of plastic recycling, will be his key to success.
“I’m not here to tell you I’ve got the most innovative technology. No – I’ve looked at the real, hardcore problems and said, ‘What is it that I need to resolve?”
Plastic Energy, meanwhile, is successfully converting plastic waste into pyrolysis oil that can be used to make food and medical grade plastic. Headquartered in London, the company has plants in Spain, France and the Netherlands.
CEO Ian Temperton is preparing to benefit from an anticipated under supply of recycled plastic as recycled content targets kick in across Europe: by 2040, plastic drinks bottles must contain at least 65% recycled content.
“We’re about developing and continuing to enhance the technology that deals with waste plastics. Having partners commit to new investments over the next couple of years is going to be a bit harder, but it’s very clear the market will be very significantly under-supplied against any version of the targets,” says Mr Temperton.
“So I will keep my team focused on the best technology for when that comes.”
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From a modest garage to a IT powerhouse, his journey reshaped India’s tech dreams. But what truly sets him apart is how quietly his wealth flows back into society every single day
Shiv Nadar founded HCL in a garage in 1976, growing it into a global IT giant. (Photo Credit: Shiv Nadar Foundation)
Success Story: One name stands out whenever India’s IT success stories are told: Shiv Nadar. What began in a modest garage in 1976 went on to become Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL), one of India’s leading global IT companies.
Today, Shiv Nadar is not only a celebrated entrepreneur but also one of the country’s most generous philanthropists, donating nearly Rs 7.4 crore every day.
From A Small Garage: The Birth Of HCL
Shiv Nadar was born on July 14, 1945, in the Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu. After completing his engineering education, he joined the DCM Group. During his time there, discussions with colleagues about the future of computers and electronics in India sparked a bold idea, that is, to start something of their own.
In 1976, Shiv Nadar and a small group of engineers founded HCL from a garage in Delhi. Initially, the company focused on computer hardware and electronic products, with a clear aim: to bring computer technology to India and create employment opportunities for young professionals.
Challenges On The Road To Success
The early years were far from easy. HCL faced financial constraints, technical hurdles, and intense market competition. However, Shiv Nadar’s long-term vision and commitment to innovation kept the company moving forward. He firmly believed that technology should simplify lives and drive progress for everyone.
During the 1980s and 1990s, HCL diversified from hardware manufacturing into software development and IT services. The company steadily expanded beyond India, establishing operations across the US, Europe, and Asia.
Today, HCL Technologies operates in nearly 60 countries and employs more than 2,22,000 people. It is a major player in areas such as cloud computing, cyber security, digital transformation, and enterprise software solutions.
Passing The Baton To Roshni Nadar Malhotra
After leading HCL for over four decades, Shiv Nadar stepped down as chairman in 2020. He appointed his daughter, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, as the new chairman, making her the first woman to hold the position in the company’s history.
Shiv Nadar now serves as Chairman Emeritus and Strategic Advisor.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Shiv Nadar’s net worth stands at $38.2 billion (approx. Rs 3.17 lakh crore), placing him among the world’s richest individuals at 54th position globally. As of now, HCL’s market capitalisation is Rs 4,49,369 crore.
Commitment To Social Service and Philanthropy
Shiv Nadar’s legacy extends far beyond business. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, he has made significant contributions to education by establishing schools and universities across India.
As per the ‘EdelGive-Hurun Philanthropy List 2025’, Shiv Nadar and his family topped the list of India’s biggest philanthropists for the fourth time in five years. In the past year alone, the family donated Rs 2,708 crore, averaging Rs 7.4 crore every day. In recognition of his contribution to the IT sector and his vision for empowering India’s youth, Shiv Nadar was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2008. Today, HCL symbolises India’s technological strength on the global stage.
Shiv Nadar’s journey proves that extraordinary success can begin with the smallest of steps. From a single garage to a global IT empire, his story remains one of vision, perseverance, and purpose.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 17, 2025, 08:07 IST
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Misty Winter Mornings Slow Flights Across North and East India: IndiGo Urges Passengers To Plan Ahead
New Delhi: IndiGo has issued a travel advisory for Wednesday (December 17) morning as thick winter mist and dense fog are expected to blanket parts of North and East India, leading to reduced visibility and slower flight movements.
In a post shared on X, the airline said, “As the morning approaches under misty winter skies, fog is predicted across parts of North and East India, which may lead to reduced visibility and a slower pace of flight movements during the early hours. In the interest of safety, some flights may experience delays or adjustments.”
The airline emphasised that it is taking proactive steps to ensure passenger safety. “Our teams across airports are fully prepared and working in close coordination to manage schedules smoothly, assist customers and maintain a steady flow of operations,” the post added.
Passengers are being urged to plan ahead, allowing extra travel time to reach the airport and to check the latest flight status through IndiGo’s website or mobile app.
“Foggy conditions may also impact road traffic, with slower movement and longer travel times expected while commuting to the airport. Customers travelling early are advised to plan with additional buffer time and check the latest flight status on our website or app before leaving home,” the advisory stated.
IndiGo also expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience. “Thank you for your patience and continued trust as we work steadily through the early hours, with visibility expected to improve as the day progresses,” the airline added.
The advisory coincides with similar warnings from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi. On Tuesday (December 17) morning, the IGI Airport issued a fog advisory, cautioning that departures and arrivals might face disruptions due to low visibility. Around 6:06 am, Delhi Airport reported that flight operations were “steadily recovering” but warned that some delays could persist.
The airport urged passengers to remain in touch with their respective airlines for the most accurate schedule updates. “We appreciate your cooperation and understanding,” the airport said, adding that ground staff and personnel have been deployed across terminals to assist travellers.
The situation is further complicated by Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 378 around 8 am on Tuesday, placing it in the “very poor” category.
The combination of dense fog and heavy pollution has reduced visibility in the early morning hours, disrupting air traffic and prompting repeated advisories from both airlines and airport authorities. Passengers are being urged to remain vigilant and plan their journeys with extra time, as conditions are expected to improve gradually as the day progresses.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is interviewed during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting at the IMF and World Bank’s 2024 annual Spring Meetings in Washington. PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday said Pakistan and Azerbaijan were working to translate their strong relations into tangible trade and investment outcomes, with Azerbaijan expressing an appetite to invest close to $2 billion in Pakistan.
In an interview with Report, the minister said bilateral relations, particularly with Azerbaijan, had grown stronger since the current government assumed office, with frequent high-level engagements including visits by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s participation during the COP29 timeframe in Baku.
He said the focus was now on enhancing trade and investment flows, adding that energy, oil and gas, as well as minerals and mining, had emerged as key sectors for potential joint projects. “These are clear areas of focus as we move forward,” he remarked.
Providing details on the proposed investment package, Aurangzeb said discussions were underway with Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR, which was exploring the possibility of investing in an oil pipeline project in Pakistan. He termed the talks as being at an early stage but expressed hope that it could be among the first projects to materialise.
Commenting on Azerbaijan’s readiness to provide a further $1 billion loan to Pakistan, the finance minister said the financing could take multiple forms, including placements with the State Bank of Pakistan or support for Azerbaijani investors operating in Pakistan. He said the current bilateral trade of less than $50 million did not reflect the true potential, and efforts were underway to identify priority sectors to make trade flows more meaningful.
He Started In A Garage, Built An Indian IT Empire, And Now Donates Rs 7 Crore Daily
Misty Winter Mornings Slow Flights Across North and East India: IndiGo Urges Passengers To Plan Ahead
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