U.K. Group to research scrap plastic exports.

England-based Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has commissioned a study that will look at scrap plastic export trends.

GHK Consulting Ltd. is conducting the study, which is supported by Recoup and is expected to be completed this spring.

The goal of the study is to provide an accurate view of the effect that future exports will have on the plastics recycling industry in the United Kingdom.

The study will look at the world supply of recycled plastics to give context to the U.K. exports and to identify where trends in other countries may have an impact on the international market. It will cover what the group refers to as "the major plastic scrap streams," including commercial and industrial sources as well as consumer packaging and material that may emerge as a result of new legislation such as WEEE and ELV.

WRAP Director of Materials Liz Goodwin says the study will "help ensure that the future trends and risks are better understood, making more accurate planning and investment decisions possible."

The key objectives of the study include:

* Mapping and assessment of the current export market for U.K. recovered plastics, including a description of the types of market served, geographical destination, tons recycled, the types of plastics and the prices paid;

* Projections for future demand for recovered plastic by each destination and material type throughout the next three, five and 10 years; and

* Assessment of the balance between collection and end markets for the next three, five and 10 years.