The UK Plastic Packaging tax is set to take effect from April 2022. If you are wondering what this new tax is about and whether it will affect your business, we have summarised the details below.
What is the Plastic Packaging Tax?
The government announced a new tax is to be implemented to plastic packaging from April 2022. A tax will apply to plastic packaging produced or imported into the UK that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic.
Why has it been introduced?
The aim of this tax is to provide a clear economic incentive for business to use recycled materials in the production of plastic packaging, which will create greater demand for this material and in turn stimulate increased levels of recycling and collection of plastic waste, diverting it away from landfill or incineration.
The government wants to introduce a tax rate which is significant enough to change manufacturer behaviour and drive a demand for recycled plastic, while not imposing excessive burdens on business. A rate has been announced £200 per tonne tax rate for packaging with less than 30% recycled plastic.
How to mediate the effects of the tax on my business?
At Kilby Packaging we continually review our product range to look for new, innovative materials and more environmentally friendly. We introduced self-adhesive paper tape, plain and printed, for consumers wanting to move away from filmic tapes. We have one of the largest ranges of paper mailers, driven by a desire to replace plastic mailers with something more sustainable and attractive.
We have introduced a handy dispenser pack for paper void filling as well as offering paper cushioning machines for companies with higher quantities of shipments. And of course, we mustn’t forget our box range, made of recycled and recyclable corrugated paper.
As we evaluate new products and check out their ‘green’ credentials we will keep you up to date with ones we add to our range and the ones which will be impacted by the tax.
If you would like any help with switching your packaging to more environmentally products, contact your Sales Executive on 01564 823176 or email [email protected].
Find out more at Plastic packaging tax - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)