About OPRL

OPRL was founded in 2009 with a clear purpose: to work together across the packaging cycle to make circularity a reality and transform packaging resource efficiency. As a not-for-profit company, we reinvest every surplus into promoting packaging recycling and driving progress toward our mission—
a world where packaging doesn’t go to waste.

You’ve probably seen our famous recycling labels—simple, clear, and helping people recycle right. But we’re about so much more! Dive in to learn more about who we are and how we go beyond the label!

2008

British Retail Consortium (BRC) The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and their leading members work with WRAP to devise a labelling system that will engage consumers with recycling as Local Authorities start rolling out basic services

OPRL Ltd incorporated as a not-for-profit limited by guarantee as part of BRC, and the initial scheme launched with around 30 members. Our labels launched as 'Widely Recycled' with more than 70% of councils collecting, 'Not Currently Recycled' for less than 15%, or 'Check Locally for Recycling' for in between.

2009

2009-14

Annual revisions of guidelines as Local Authority services expanded, and more packaging types became ‘Widely Recycled’ i.e., more than 70% councils collected and in 2010 we launched our first film label. We continued to use WRAP services to manage member enquiries.

Governance review led to skills-based Board appointments replacing the original constituency-based directorships. 5 new Board members appointed. Ricardo appointed as new auditors.

2013

2014

We built a new website with improved functionality including label artwork library. Previously members had created their own labels based on our guidelines. We also had our first fee rise since launch.

BRC stood back and gave notice would cease to be guarantor. ACE UK, RECOUP joined as guarantors.

2015

2016

LARAC and CPI became guarantors. BRC ceased to be guarantor. We also sponsored our first UK Packaging Awards. We're now at around 200 members.

Guidelines review involved multiple stakeholders for the first time. It flagged future need for final fate of packaging materials to be included in recyclability assessment but no data available so still council collections data underpinning designations. Labels changed to 'Check Locally' and 'Not Yet Recycled'. We recruited a Membership and Marketing Manager on a contract basis. Membership started to grow more rapidly.

2017

2018

Alupro and INCPEN became guarantors. Governance review decided to bring new skills (HR, waste management, Digital) onto Board and new appointments made and we appointed part-time Executive Director. We’re now at around 300 members.

10th Anniversary celebrations and we started to directly employ staff for the first time and bring services in-house, with a new Membership Service Manager, Member Support Executive, Marketing and Sales Manager and Commercial Manager appointed. We also implemented a major overhaul of the Guidelines (now named Labelling Rules) with wider stakeholder involvement. Changes to designations based on ISO14021 principles i.e., collections, sortation, reprocessing and final markets. Move to binary labelling with Recycle and Don’t Recycle labelling. Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association became a guarantor. We reach 400 members.

2019

2020

Our full time Executive Director joined the team, we developed a new purpose statement and we reached 500 members. We also launched our labelling tool allowing members to answer set questions to produce print ready label artwork. We then adapted, with the rest of the world to working within a pandemic.

British Glass became guarantor and we committed to actions under the Sustainable Development Goals. We appointed a new Member and Audit Admin and Marketing and Sales Executive. We launched our first refill labels and reached 650 members.

2021

2022

We're already at 750 members and only half way through the year. We've launched 3 new specialist film labels and UK only labels. We're working with the Government and across the packaging industry to understand impending Government legislations including EPR, DRS and Consistent Collections and the impact they will have on our members.

In 2023 we became a certified B Corp company. The B Corp certification addresses the entirety of a business’ operations and covers five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers.

2023

2024

This year, we supercharged our online labelling tool, making it even easier for members to create labels for up to four components. We also rolled out our brand-new Recyclability Assessment Tool, giving members practical advice on how to make their packaging more recyclable.

Our team grew to 15 strong, ensuring we continue delivering top-notch support to our members. And after a thorough audit, we were advised to use an external organisation if we wanted to improve our carbon emissions tracking. We. therefore, used Compare Your Footprint to help us get a clear picture of our impact, and with their insights, we partnered with Carbon Neutral Britain to make sure our offsets truly made a difference.

Independent

We pride ourselves on maintaining an independent voice while pursuing our mission. Our decisions and actions are made without bias, ensuring we collaborate across all material sectors with integrity. While we are a stand-alone organisation, we believe in the power of partnerships, working closely with members, associations, governments, and non-governmental organisations to drive meaningful change.

Pioneering

Innovation is at the heart of what we do. We are constantly exploring new ways to minimise resource use in packaging while maximising reusability and recycling potential.

From creating better packaging solutions to encouraging UK consumers to recycle more effectively and frequently, we’re committed to leading the way in creating a sustainable future.

Expert

We bring expertise and knowledge to every aspect of our work. With representation from almost all material sectors, our Guarantors, board and staff ensure diverse perspectives guide our decisions.

From technical skills to creative problem-solving, we combine a wealth of experience to drive our goals forward with confidence and precision

Ethical

We are driven by values that consider the bigger picture. From reducing our carbon footprint to promoting diversity and inclusion, we hold ourselves accountable to social, environmental, and financial impacts.

Through volunteer opportunities, sustainable strategies, and collaboration with stakeholders, we aim to lead by example in creating a more resource-efficient world.

Our Governance

At OPRL, our Board of Independent Directors brings together an incredible mix of expertise and perspectives. From retail and manufacturing to local government, environmental compliance, resource management, and even marketing, they’re a talented group with a shared commitment to driving sustainable change. Whether it’s tackling the complexities of packaging design or navigating environmental challenges, their diverse backgrounds ensure we’re equipped with the knowledge and experience to make a meaningful difference.

Meet our board

Our Guarantors

As a company limited by guarantee, OPRL is proudly supported by a network of guarantor organisations that share our mission to maximize the effective recycling of packaging materials. These organisations have no controlling or financial stake in OPRL Ltd but play a vital role in ensuring we stay true to our goals. Each year at our AGM in November, we report back to them on our progress against our Business Strategy, fostering transparency and accountability as we work together toward a more sustainable future.

See our guarantors

Our Team

Our team is the heart of OPRL – a group of passionate and dedicated individuals who truly believe in what we do. We’re committed to continuous learning, providing regular training and development opportunities to ensure we stay ahead of industry trends.
This focus on growth and expertise allows us to deliver exceptional support to our members, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their sustainability goals with confidence.

Meet our team

Our Operating Model

We operate the OPRL scheme under an exclusive licence from WRAP to use the ‘Recycle Now’ iconography. Under the scheme OPRL Ltd sub-licenses this right on an annually renewable basis to any company designing, manufacturing or placing own brand or branded consumer packaging on the UK market, whether or not they are themselves based in the UK.  It is not permissible to use the ‘Recycle Now’ swoosh or any derivative images on packaging while outside OPRL membership: we enforce our rights.

We also provide a number of online tools and services under license or via contracts with third party providers.

Discover more about what we do

Living Wage Employer

We’re a Living Wage Employer with the Living Wage Foundation (LWF). We undertake to pay our staff rates greater than LWF’s Living Wage, to give annual cost of living rises meeting LWF’s annual calculation and to work with our suppliers to secure the same conditions for their staff.

Certified B Corp

In 2023, we proudly joined the ranks of certified B Corps—companies that believe in balancing purpose and profit. Becoming a B Corp company is no small feat; it means meeting rigorous global standards that assess how we care for our people, our community, our customers, and the planet, all while keeping our governance strong and accountable. This certification reflects our commitment to doing good, being transparent, and making a positive impact at every level of our business. We’re excited to keep raising the bar, working together for a better world, and maybe inspiring others to join the movement along the way!

Download our Impact Report