Rosalie McMillan, founder of Smile Plastics, knows the frustrations of doing things differently. The Swansea-based company makes interior surface panels exclusively from recycled plastic. ‘We have a whole network of brokers and waste management companies that we’ve developed over many years,’ she says. ‘But initially it was quite difficult to get them take us seriously.’
Starting out as a small-batch manufacturer, Smile Plastics only needed a tonne of recycled plastic every couple of weeks, whereas large companies process thousands of tonnes each week. Small quantities, and the company requiring a specific type and quality of plastic to make its high-end product, mean it has to pay for its source material. ‘Best case scenario, you’d work directly with the producer of the waste itself – but often you’re not wanting enough,’ she says.
The situation has given rise to several online marketplaces for recycled materials, like Cyrkl and BaleBid. On these sites, small businesses can find specific recycled materials to buy, and organisations can advertise waste materials for sale.