Monday 6 July 2020

O2 launches PPE recycling initiative in retail stores

O2 has launched a new PPE recycling initiative across its stores.

The mobile network operator has partnered with recycling company TerraCycle to roll out recycling boxes for PPE including masks, gloves and face shields in O2 stores across the UK.

The partnership aims to reduce waste and increase the reuse of PPE materials for other purposes.

When TerraCycle will receive the recycling box, the material will be collected before being cleaned, cut and melted into pellets which will be reused in the manufacture of new products such as outdoor furniture, storage containers and watering cans, reducing the need to create new virgin plastics.

Tracey Herald, Head of Partnerships and Social Impact at O2, said: "This new scheme will help minimise our impact on the planet and is an example of the many steps O2 is taking in its journey to becoming a net zero business by 2025."

Stephen Clarke, Head of Communications at TerraCycle Europe, commented: “The exponential growth in plastic PPE could be very costly for the planet. That’s why we’re proud to be taking a leadership role with O2 in safely and responsibly recycling the PPE used across their retail estate in the UK.”

02 has also committed to working with supply chain partners to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30% in the next five years.