ALTERNATIVES TO BANNED PRODUCTS
In 2018, the UK Government published its Resources and Waste Strategy, outlining long-term commitments to eliminate avoidable plastic waste by 2042 and all avoidable waste by 2050. Since then, Scotland, England, and Wales have each introduced a series of initiatives, resulting in bans and restrictions on certain single-use plastic products.
Bans and restrictions to single use plastic products
At Lockhart our sustainability team has been closely monitoring these initiatives, working with our customers to ensure compliance and proactively transitioning away from the affected products. This approach helps our clients avoid waste and stay aligned with regulations. Our purchasing teams have also been working to ensure we offer practical, affordable alternatives.
Key developments include:
Scotland: In June 2022, the Scottish government introduced bans or restrictions on single-use plastic straws, cotton buds, and stirrers, EPS containers and cups and their lids, single use plastic cutlery, trays and balloon sticks.
England: The UK government staggered the introduction of bans and restrictions in England. In 2020 England was the first of the three nations to ban or restrict single-use plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds with further measures introduced in October 2023 that brought England into line with Scotland and also banned single use plastic trays and bowls in some cases.
Wales: In October 2023, the Welsh Government mirrored Scotland’s approach, stopping short of banning plastic bowls and trays. The Welsh Government are also exploring further bans and restrictions in spring 2026. These may include bans on some carrier bags and plastic cup lids.
8 SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Overall, we now see three nations are largely aligned in their approach, with the main difference being that in Scotland and Wales, the supply of single-use plastic trays and bowls are not restricted. In the coming years, we expect to see further initiatives, which we will continue to monitor closely, working with our industry partners to provide advice and suitable alternatives.
In England, the ban does not apply to single-use plastic plates, bowls, and trays if either of the following apply:
• You are supplying them to another business.
• The items are used as packaging (pre-filled or filled at the point of sale).
Examples of this type of packaging include:
• A pre-filled salad bowl or ready meals packaged in a tray.
• A plate filled at the counter of a takeaway. • A tray used to deliver food.
Direction of travel Commonly
known as Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR), the reform of waste packaging regulations that are currently being introduced aim to encourage businesses to move away from difficult to recycle packaging. This package of reforms will also see increased targets for recycling rates
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