UK Implements New Tax on Plastic Packaging in 2022

In November last year, The United Kingdom (UK) government issued a policy paper detailing a new tax that will be effective from the 1st of April 2022. The Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) will apply to plastic packaging produced in, or imported into the UK.

The tax will apply to packaging that is predominantly plastic in weight. In order to be exempt from the tax, businesses will have to ensure their packaging is made from at least 30% recycled plastics.

The objective of the policy is to provide a clear incentive for businesses to use recycled materials. The increased demand for recyclable plastics will hopefully boost levels of recycling and keep virgin (newly-made) plastics away from landfills, incineration and our oceans. Recycled plastics have a carbon footprint that can be up to four times lower than that of virgin plastics!

This is an excellent move from the UK but there is still more to be done!

Some other noteworthy advancements in other countries include:

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦Β  Canada:

Planned ban on 6 harmful single-use plastic products in 2021 as part of the Canadian governments zero plastic waste by 2030 plan. Products include plastic checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery, and food ware made from hard-to-recycle plastics.

πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡Ό Zimbabwe

Introduced a ban on polystyrene food containers in 2017, with fines of between $30 to $5,000 for anyone breaking the rules.

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China

Has announced a plan to ban non-degradable bags in all cities and towns by 2022.

πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί The ACT in Australia has introduced legislation to commence the ban on single-use plastics, which will come into effect from July 2021.

πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Germany

Will ban the sale of single-use plastic straws, cutlery, cotton buds and food containers from July 2021, aligning with an EU directive intended to reduce plastic waste.

The fight against plastic waste is just getting started! Lots of policy changes beginning in 2021 and spreading across the next decade.

As we continue to see the effects of detrimental plastics such as polystyrene on our planet, our wildlife and ourselves, it is time to make real changes and start phasing out these harmful materials. The use of non-renewable, non-recyclable, unnatural resources is no longer a viable option.

Many countries are now introducing policies to combat plastic waste. A new and more sustainable wave of production is on the horizon and we are so excited! At Planet protector packaging we are in a race to become the market leader in sustainable thermal packaging that doesn’t harm the planet.

Get on board with sustainability, plan for the future, join the Planet Protector flock today!

Email us on enquiries@planetprotectorpackaging.com for more information.

 

Read more: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2020/10/canada-one-step-closer-to-zero-plastic-waste-by-2030.html

https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/first-stage-of-act-single-use-plastics-ban-to-commence-july-2021/

 

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/canada-bans-single-use-plastics/

https://earth.org/germany-to-ban-single-use-plastic-2021/#:~:text=Germany%20will%20ban%20the%20sale,intended%20to%20reduce%20plastic%20waste.&text=Federal%20Environment%20Minister%20Svenja%20Schulze,no%20sustainable%20use%20of%20resources.