Recycling Of Used Plastics Limited

What Recycling Of Used Plastics Limited does

Recycling Of Used Plastics Limited, operating as RECOUP, is a registered charity (Charity No. 1072029) headquartered in Peterborough, United Kingdom, that functions as the country's leading independent authority on plastics resource efficiency and recycling. The organization operates a membership model spanning the full UK plastics value chain, serving consumer goods brands and retailers (including Coca-Cola, Greiner), waste management operators (Suez, Remondis, Jayplas), recyclers and reprocessors, local authorities, academia, and policymakers. Its stated mission is to inspire collaboration across the value chain, lead development of a plastics circular economy, and educate public and business stakeholders on plastics recycling and resource efficiency.

RECOUP's core product surface is built around research, databases, and laboratory services rather than commercialized technology products. It maintains proprietary UK-specific databases including the Reprocessor Database, Reuse and Refill Database, LCA Library, and myRecycledContent platform; publishes annual research reports such as the UK Household Plastic Packaging Collection Survey; and operates an in-house laboratory offering recyclability assessments, material identification, sorting performance evaluation, and—following a February 2026 upgrade—microplastic analysis capable of detecting polymer particles as small as 200 μm using FTIR microscopy. The technology base is scientific instrumentation and curated data assets rather than software-as-a-service.

The organization monetizes through three primary streams: annual membership subscriptions from value-chain organizations, ticketed event revenue from a portfolio that includes the RECOUP Summit, Plastics Assembly, Awards & Networking Dinner, webinars, and training sessions (training priced at £149 per person for members and £249 for non-members), and revenue from research reports and consultancy. Distribution is direct via a single-country (UK) enterprise membership sales motion, supplemented by flagship proprietary events and presence at third-party industry exhibitions including Interplas, RWM, and London Packaging Week.

Name

Recycling Of Used Plastics Limited

Legal name

RECYCLING OF USED PLASTICS LIMITED

Website

https://recoup.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Recycling Of Used Plastics Limited (RECOUP) is a UK registered charity that operates as the country's leading independent authority on plastics resource efficiency and recycling, serving brands, retailers, recyclers, local authorities, and policymakers through membership, research databases, laboratory services, and industry events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Plastics Recycling Advisory & Research Services

NAICS

Business Support Services (5614)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEUAIANAC

Reuse & Resale / Recommerce Operations

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Environmental Services (Waste Management, Recycling & Remediation)/Resource Recovery & Circular Economy Services (Reuse, Take-back, Refurbishment)

SECONDARYEUAIANAE

Reusable Packaging & Refill Systems (Returnable Transport Items, Deposit/DRS Ops)

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Environmental Services (Waste Management, Recycling & Remediation)/Resource Recovery & Circular Economy Services (Reuse, Take-back, Refurbishment)

Keywords

• Plastics recycling advisory
• Plastics circular economy
• Recyclability assessments
• Microplastic analysis services
• Membership association

Headquarters

HQ city

Peterborough

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: As a registered charity supported by members, RECOUP generates revenue through membership subscriptions from organizations across the plastics value chain including brands, retailers, recyclers, local authorities, and industry suppliers.
2. Event Revenue: Revenue generated from ticketed events including the annual RECOUP Awards & Networking Dinner, RECOUP Summit, RECOUP Plastics Assembly, and various webinars and training sessions.
3. Research & Reports: Annual specialist research reports such as the UK Household Plastic Packaging Collection Survey are made available to members and potentially sold commercially.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

RECOUP is a UK registered charity operating a membership organisation that delivers plastics recycling and resource efficiency expertise to the plastics value chain. It provides access to research reports, proprietary databases (Reprocessor Database, Reuse and Refill Database, LCA Library), in-house laboratory services (microplastic analysis and recyclability assessments), industry events, and training programs, all funded through member subscriptions, event revenue, and research sales.

Product overview

RECOUP operates as a membership-based charity providing a comprehensive portfolio of services focused on plastics resource efficiency and recycling. The offering centers on research and databases (Reprocessor Database, Reuse and Refill Database, LCA Library, myRecycledContent), supported by laboratory analysis services including microplastic analysis capabilities. The organization facilitates industry engagement through events (Summit, Awards, Plastics Assembly, webinars) and training programs, while publishing research reports and industry news to drive progress toward a circular plastics economy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• RECOUP Membership
• Research & Reports
• Reprocessor Database
• Reuse and Refill Database
• LCA Library
• myRecycledContent Platform
• Laboratory Services
• Enhanced Microplastic Analysis Service
• RECOUP Events
• Training Programs

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% of UK local authorities now offer kerbside collections of plastic pots, tubs and trays
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• WRAPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026WRAP served as a sponsor for the 2026 RECOUP Summit and participates in collaborative panels discussing pathways to UK plastics circularity. WRAP provides strategic input and co-development of industry initiatives.
• EcosuretycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Ecosurety served as a sponsor for the 2026 RECOUP Summit. The organization works with RECOUP on policy white papers and research regarding UK reprocessing capacity challenges.
• University of Birmingham - Birmingham Plastics NetworksecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerRECOUP has developed relationships with academia through Birmingham Plastics Network at University of Birmingham. Professor Andrew Dove, Director of the Network, joined the RECOUP Board as an Advisor.
• Flexible Plastic Fund (FPF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRECOUP is part of the specially commissioned project team for FPF FlexCircular, alongside Suez, CEFLEX, and WRAP. The project aims to determine UK investment needs for recycling up to 400,000 tonnes of post-consumer flexible plastic packaging by 2030.
• DEFRAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment department collaborating with RECOUP on the FPF FlexCircular project for flexible plastic packaging circularity.
• PackUKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK producer responsibility organization collaborating with RECOUP on the FPF FlexCircular project and communications regarding Extended Producer Responsibility.
• Welsh GovernmentsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment body collaborating with RECOUP on the FPF FlexCircular project for flexible plastic packaging circularity.
• Zero Waste ScotlandsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment body collaborating with RECOUP on the FPF FlexCircular project for flexible plastic packaging circularity.
• CEXFLEXcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean consortium of companies and associations collaborating on flexible packaging circularity. CEFLEX is part of the FPF FlexCircular project team working with RECOUP.
• Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional body partnering with RWM Expo, at which RECOUP exhibits. CIWM is co-host of the 2026 ISWA World Congress alongside RECOUP.
• PentawardssecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal packaging design association powering the Design Hub at London Packaging Week, an event supported by RECOUP.
• Packaging NewssecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner for packaging industry events. RECOUP supports London Packaging Week and partners on industry content.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• WRAP: UK-based charity driving resource efficiency and circular economy across plastics and other materials. WRAP is a direct peer as both organisations convene UK stakeholders on plastics recycling, partner on FPF FlexCircular, and offer overlapping research/policy guidance.
• Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM): UK professional body for the waste and resources sector. CIWM is a direct peer because it co-hosts events with RECOUP (ISWA World Congress, RWM Connect) and overlaps significantly on training, networking, and policy advocacy in waste/recycling.
• CEFLEX: European consortium collaborating on flexible packaging circularity. CEFLEX is a direct peer as both organisations work on UK/EU flexible plastic recycling infrastructure, partner on the FPF FlexCircular project, and address overlapping stakeholder sets.
• Environmental Services Association (ESA): UK trade body for the resource and waste management industry. ESA is a direct peer as it represents waste management majors (e.g., Suez, Remondis — also RECOUP members) and convenes overlapping policy, infrastructure, and recycling stakeholders.
• The Recycling Association: UK trade association representing the recycling and waste management sector. Direct peer because both organisations focus on UK recycling infrastructure, reprocessor engagement, and policy advocacy to government.
• Plastic Recyclers Europe (PRE): European trade association representing plastics recyclers. PRE is a direct peer given that RECOUP's Chairman sits on PRE's board, and the two organisations cover overlapping mandates around EU/UK plastics recycling policy and reprocessor engagement.
• British Plastics Federation (BPF) Recycling Group: UK trade association for the plastics industry with a dedicated Recycling Group. BPF Recycling Group is a direct peer — RECOUP's Chairman is a committee member — and both organisations advocate for UK plastics recycling infrastructure and member engagement.

Regional players

• Sustainable Packaging Coalition: US-based industry working group on sustainable packaging. Comparable in convening brands, retailers, and recyclers around packaging circularity, but operates primarily in North America, making it a regional rather than direct peer.
• Zero Waste Scotland: Scottish government-funded organisation promoting waste reduction and recycling. Zero Waste Scotland is a regional peer — a public-sector analogue with overlapping circular-economy remit, partnering with RECOUP on FPF FlexCircular but focused on Scotland specifically.

Broad incumbents

• Green Alliance: UK environmental think tank focused on circular economy and resource policy. Broad incumbent peer — operates in overlapping policy/advocacy terrain around plastics and packaging, but with a wider environmental remit and stronger government-facing research function.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/recoup_UK
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/recoup

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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