When we launched Quality First campaign in September 2016 we knew that the overall quality of UK recycled materials needed to improve. Yes, there was plenty of excellent material being produced. But, as with all aspects of life, it was the bad stuff that was capturing the headlines and damaging the overall reputation of the industry. For years the industry's good guys had tried to exert a positive influence, leading by example. But that softly-softly approach could only get us so far. We'd had enough and furthermore, we could see what was coming over the hill, albeit not the extent of it. I'm so glad we lost patience, because now, two years and a Blue Planet 2 later, we're in a completely different operating landscape. Never before has the quality of recycled materials, processes and infrastructure been so heavily scrutinised - at home and abroad, by industry and the general public. As an Association, Quality First readied us for the challenges that we've experienced over the last 12 months. It also gave us a much louder voice and has helped us to ensure that the recycling industry was at the forefront of discussions, many of which have been played out in the national media, when recycling practices have been called to account.
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