About half of the UK’s plastic packaging is recycled, but there are not enough domestic facilities to deal with all the waste produced.
About 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste was exported in 2024, according to environmental analysts at ENDS Report, external.
Plants have closed across the UK and Europe, as virgin and recycled packaging from Asia has proved cheaper for buyers.
Reconomy said the new 138,000 sq ft (12,821 sq m) centre in Corby would create more than 30 jobs and be fully operational in the second half of 2026.
Mike Benton, recycle loop managing director, said: “This facility will play a major role in increasing domestic recycling capacity and reducing reliance on virgin plastic by keeping high-quality material in circulation.
“It will also benefit the local economy.”