The funding is coming from the Government's Mixed Plastics Capital Grant Programme and is available to cover up to 30 per cent of the total investment required to develop new plastics recycling facilities in Scotland. According to WRAP Scottish households generate over 200,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, but only 15,000 tonnes is collected for recycling in Scotland, with the majority of that being sent to Asia for processing. The new scheme aims to reclaim an additional 20,000 tonnes at least.

As well as recycling bottles, the new facilities will be expected to handle mixed plastics such as yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, salad bags and plastic film.

'This funding package will help develop plastics processing and recycling facilities, transforming Scotland's approach to managing plastic waste,’ says WRAP Scotland Director, Iain Gulland. ‘However, this £5m package turns this situation into a real opportunity. Recycling more and more used plastic and returning it into the supply chain as new material right here in Scotland would help protect the environment and conserve valuable resources. It could also contribute to economic recovery by presenting new business opportunities and generating jobs.’ Grant applications close on June 26.