SUSTAINABILITY
COUNTDOWN TO THE PLASTIC PACKAGING TAX
T
he building and construction sector generates around 50,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste every year. Packaging suppliers, Southgate
Packaging is trying to raise awareness of the issue and is urging businesses who use plastic packaging to plan ahead. Originally announced in the budget in 2018 the tax, which comes into come into force in April 2022, will apply to plastic packaging produced in or imported into the UK, which does not contain at least 30 per cent recycled plastic, only packaging which is not predominantly plastic by weight is excluded.
The new measure is estimated to effect up to 20,000 producers and importers of plastic packaging.
Construction materials use a lot of plastic packaging. Southgate Packaging managing director Craig Turner says: “This is because many products are transported on pallets, shrink-wrapped, or bound with plastic straps or using protective polystyrene – to ensure safe transport and delivery. The challenge is that these materials are often discarded as soon as the products are unpacked,”. To minimise the increased cost implications, Turner says the company recommends that businesses start preparing immediately by collating a list of packaging containing plastic material, specifying the amount of recycled content and reviewing alternatives if needed.
“The new tax is set to provide a clear economic incentive for businesses who are not already, to use recycled material in the
With just a year to go until the introduction of the Government’s Plastic Packaging Tax, businesses need to take stock and prepare now.
production of plastic packaging. In return, creating greater demand for the material and stimulating increased levels of recycling and collection of plastic waste, diverting it away from landfill or incineration,” he says. This new legislation will have a huge impact, Turner adds, yet, it is a change that many businesses welcome as it aligns with their wider strategy to increase the use of sustainable packaging solutions. “Southgate and many other suppliers are investing heavily in sourcing alternative products that contain more recycled plastic
to ensure the building and construction sector can lessen its environmental impact. “Recycled plastic has a carbon footprint that can be up to four times lower than that of virgin plastic, so if we are to reach the Global Climate G7 goals of achieving carbon neutral in the near future, the Plastic Packaging Tax is the first major step.” “We look forward to watching the industries involved in plastic production working together to introduce solutions that protect our environment and support circular economy principles.” BMJ
24
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2021
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