A PLASTIC cutting research scheme is coming to Southend.

PlastiCity, a three-year research project across England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, will be working with Southend Council and other organisations to help them reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic as much as possible.

The team are currently visiting over 300 businesses and schools, and will be looking at introducing a 'circular economy', in which schools and businesses work together to keep plastic products which are not recyclable in use.

Carole Mulroney, councillor for environment and planning, said: “The global amount of plastic not being recycled is totally unacceptable and a strategic approach to educate and support businesses and schools in the recycling of commercial and industrial plastics is a big step in the right direction.

“It is a great opportunity for them to become actively involved in learning more about the consequences of not recycling plastics properly and improve their own recycling rates.

“We know more can be done in Southend.

"It gives me great pride that we’re the only UK town involved in this project and with the University of Portsmouth assisting with research, I am sure we can inspire schools and businesses to get involved and focus on keeping future generations safe and well.”

The PlastiCity team would like to learn what motivates businesses and schools to recycle plastic and what demotivates them from doing so.

To enquire about one of their consultants visiting your business, email them at PlastiCity@Southend.gov.uk, giving details of what it is you do.