Plastic packaging tax

What is the plastic packaging tax?

From the 1st April 2022, a new plastic packaging tax (PPT) will come into force in the UK.

Part of the Finance Act 2021, the legislation was designed to provide a monetary incentive for businesses to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of plastic packaging. The hope is that it will create a greater demand for recycled plastic and stimulate increased levels of recyclable plastic, diverting it away from landfills or incineration.

The rate of PPT will be at £200 per metric tonne of plastic and will only effect those who manufacture or import 10 tonnes or more of plastic packaging over a 12-month period in the UK.

Plastic packaging, which contains at least 30% recycled plastic or is exempt from the tax, must still be factored into the total to determine if a business must register for the tax.

Read through our guide on sustainable packaging and supplies

Will the plastic packaging tax affect you?

  • Restaurant places order with their foodservice provider for bags of chicken fillets
  • Foodservice provider directly imports the bags of chicken from the EU
  • Liability: The foodservice provider
  • Next course of action: The foodservice provider registers for the tax

  • Hotel chain places order with their foodservice provider for rolls of cling film
  • Foodservice provider then places order for cling film from a UK manufacturer
  • Liability: The cling film UK manufacturer
  • Next course of action: The cling film manufacturer registers for the tax

What do our experts say?

Tips to reduce plastic usage

Thinking of ways to reduce your plastic usage with the implementation of the PPT? Discover our five handy tips to help you cut down on those taxable tonnes.

Plastic tax podcast

We welcome Bidfood’s new Sustainable Packaging Manager, Graham Hastings-Stiles, to our podcast as he talks about the Plastic Packaging Tax and its effect on the industry. He also shares some helpful advice on what businesses can do to operate under the new legislation.

Which packaging is subject to plastic packaging tax?

Plastic food container

Plastic bottle filled with drink

Compostable plastics (bioplastics)

Plastic wrap/cling film

Sandwich bags

Bin bags

plastic tax dos

plastic packaging tax

  • Compile a list of important items with packaging data such as:– Component item
    – Weight of each component
    – Units per case
    – Type of packaging
    – Type of material
    – Recycled content
    – Identify your primary and secondary materials
    – Set goals to reduce your plastic package
  • Identify your primary and secondary materials
  • Set goals to reduce your plastic packaging
plastic packaging tax

  • Choose an alternative packaging that could be unsafe for your staff and customers.

Legislative support

  • Legislative support

Legislative support

  • Calorie labelling

    Providing the most up-to-date information, guidance and support on navigating the changes in legislation.

  • Natasha's Law

    Find out what advice and useful support tools are on hand to help understand how to adhere to this legislation within your business.

  • Deposit return scheme Scotland

    Learn about the new cash incentive system that places a deposit on drinks bottles and cans in order to boost consumer recycling.

  • Single use plastic ban

    Our support page is in place to help businesses understand the new single use plastic ban and make informed choices ready for October 2023.
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