ICIS - chemical podcasts Episode 1367: Think Tank: Fate of Wilton, UK chemical site symptomatic of Europe’s troubles
Jul 29, 2025
James McLeary, Managing Director of Biffa Polymers, shares insights on the challenges facing the UK recycling sector amid plant closures, emphasizing the need for more support for local initiatives. Tom Brown, ICIS Insight Editor, discusses the EU-US trade deal's impact, revealing how it alleviates some tariff pressures but leaves many questions unanswered. The conversation dives into the potential of the Wilton chemical site for a circular economy and the struggle for workers amid rising competition and regulatory changes.
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Shocking Realities of UK Recycling
- James McLeary shared his experience moving from virgin polymer production to recycling in the UK.
- He was shocked by the higher pressures facing recycling compared to primary chemicals in the northeast.
Europe's Recycling Faces Cost Challenges
- Europe struggles as cheaper recycled materials flood in from abroad, challenging local recyclers.
- Recycling costs remain high due to immature industry scale and labor-intensive processes.
Support Local Recycling Initiatives
- Support local recycling to reduce environmental impact and boost competitiveness.
- Use technology to build larger, more automated plants to lower costs against virgin materials.