April 29, 2026

92. How the war in Iran is reshaping the plastic market

92. How the war in Iran is reshaping the plastic market
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92. How the war in Iran is reshaping the plastic market

Since February, the war in Iran has forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil flows and sending shockwaves through industries worldwide. But amid the turmoil, an unexpected consequence has emerged, recycled plastic is becoming more attractive to major brands. In this episode, we explore how the conflict is reshaping the economics of plastic, and what that could mean for the products we buy in the years ahead. Plus, are nasal spray bottles rubbish or not, is litter-picked waste ever classed as fly-tipping, and why does Robbie think episode 3 was worse than episode 90.

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Since February, the war in Iran has forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil flows and sending shockwaves through industries worldwide. But amid the turmoil, an unexpected consequence has emerged, recycled plastic is becoming more attractive to major brands. In this episode, we explore how the conflict is reshaping the economics of plastic, and what that could mean for the products we buy in the years ahead. Plus, are nasal spray bottles rubbish or not, is litter-picked waste ever classed as fly-tipping, and why does Robbie think episode 3 was worse than episode 90.

Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.

We would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate our 100th episode. It will be in central Bristol on the evening of the 25th June, to let us know if you can make it, book your place on Eventbrite

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Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee

Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website

Timestamps:
How the war in Iran is reshaping the plastic market? - 01:54
Additions and corrections - 26:19
Rubbish or Not: nasal spray bottles - 39:49
Rubbish News - 44:29
Can litter picked waste ever be classed as fly-tipping? - 50:11
Residual Rubbish - 54:13

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL