In response to feedback received from their customers to take a more active role in tackling plastic pollution, in June 2018, on World Oceans Day, Anglian Water Services announced an ambitious goal: to rid the East of England region of plastic pollution by 2030. It identified that a co-ordinated partnership response was key to achieving this and so initiated the East of England Plastics Coalition, made up of like-minded stakeholders from the public, private and third sectors, to work together to create an action plan. Eunomia was selected to support the approach and, ultimately, act as Secretariat.

We began by scoping the plastic pollution problem in the region, to identify the sources, types and volumes of plastic and understand whether addressing them was better achieved at individual partner, or regional level. We then worked with stakeholders, through engagement workshops and individual interviews, to develop a framework and methodology to establish and manage priorities.

As Secretariat, we have now facilitated three Coalition workshops. The latest one took place in February 2020 and aimed to define objectives and specific actions for the next six months. We are now helping to progress these by co-ordinating communication and updates between partners and external interested parties, including the Environment Agency.

Water companies have great influence over – and can have great impact on – their catchment areas. Several are already engaged in the issue of plastic pollution, particularly where it affects their own operations. Some are going further, for example South West Water supports the ‘Plastic Free Plymouth’ campaign and is aiming to phase out single-use plastics in its own operations. Through Water UK, all water companies have been supporting City to Sea’s Refill campaign to encourage customers to switch to reusables and drink more tap water.

Anglian Water is taking a lead with initiatives like the Coalition, and we would be eager to work with others interested in taking similarly pro-active roles to reduce plastic pollution in their regions.

Kylie Jones, Operational Biodiversity and Plastics Manager at Anglian Water

“We know that plastic pollution is an important issue for our customers, and there is a clear desire from them that we do what we can to tackle the problem. Through working with Eunomia, and the partners they have helped us to bring together in the East of England Plastics Coalition, we can demonstrate that we are taking a leading role in addressing this significant environmental challenge.”