5 August 2026
The annual letsrecycle.com LARAC Wales Conference brought together local authorities, waste management professionals, policymakers and industry partners to discuss the future of resource and waste management across Wales.
Representing Plan B, Craig Cutajar and Andy Peters attended the event to contribute to discussions on policy developments, operational challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and finding practical solutions to the challenges ahead.
Among all the great discussions, two major themes stood out.
Wales Continues to Lead the Way on Recycling
Wales is recognised as one of the world’s leading recycling nations, thanks to long-term policy, investment and strong partnerships between Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government, local authorities and delivery partners.
However, maintaining that success will require continued investment in the infrastructure required to support a circular economy. Collecting recyclable materials is only the first step; they also need to be processed and reused. Expanding domestic recycling capacity will reduce reliance on overseas markets, strengthen supply chains, retain the value of materials within Wales and support green jobs while contributing to net zero ambitions.
Flexible Plastics: The Next Big Challenge
A key topic throughout the conference was the introduction of kerbside collections for flexible plastics from April 2027.
Although flexible plastics remain one of the most challenging materials to recycle, encouraging progress has been made through pioneering collection trials led by councils including Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan. These projects have demonstrated that effective collection and sorting systems are achievable.
The bigger challenge is what happens after collection. Without sufficient UK processing capacity and sustainable end markets, the environmental and economic value of these materials cannot be fully realised. Addressing this will require continued investment, innovation and collaboration between government, manufacturers, local authorities, processors and the wider waste management sector.
Looking Ahead
LARAC Wales reinforced that the future of resource management is about far more than increasing recycling rates. Success will depend on building the infrastructure, partnerships and markets needed to keep valuable materials in circulation and support a thriving circular economy.
The next few years will be transformative for the sector, and Plan B is committed to working alongside local authorities and partners to deliver practical, sustainable waste and resource management solutions.
If you were unable to attend the conference but would like to discuss any of the topics raised, we’d be delighted to continue the conversation. Please get in touch with Craig Cutajar, Steven Batchelor or Andy Peters.