SUSTAINABILITY
A SUSTAINABLE STANCE ON PLASTIC PACKAGING
As the Plastic Packaging Tax deadline fast approaches, BMJ looks at the I
t’s estimated that five million tonnes of plastic is used every year in the UK*, with almost half of this attributed to packaging. Aiming to increase the use of recycled plastic in packaging by around 40%, which will equate to carbon savings of almost 200,000 tonnes in 2022-23, the introduction of the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) is the government’s latest strategy to reduce the use of new plastics, whilst simultaneously increasing plastic recycling. Set to be enforced from 1st April 2022, the tax will impact around 20,000 manufacturers and importers of plastic packaging. Levied at £200 per metric tonne of plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic, the new tax has significant implications for merchants and distributors who import over 10 metric tonnes of plastic throughout a 12 month period. Businesses that do not comply will be faced with civil and criminal penalties, if they fail to register, file returns or complete payments. Companies operating under the 10 metric tonne threshold will also need to maintain a record of the frequency and weight of plastic being imported, to evidence to HMRC that they are operating below the tax threshold.
Importance of design and innovation
One of the main types of plastic packaging currently being reviewed by manufacturers to ensure it complies with the PPT is the clear clamshell,says Chris Burrows, ERA’s Head of Sales for Distribution and Smart Security. “It has been extremely popular with both manufacturers and distributors for decades, as it enables the product to be visible on both sides and can be displayed in a range of configurations, including hung or freestanding. The seal also provides a hygienic and waterproof environment for the product, whilst being cheaper to transport due to its light weight.”
Predominantly constructed of single-use 32
importance of close collaboration to achieve even higher standards of sustainability. To address these issues, he says that ERA is currently evaluating the composition of all plastic and cardboard packaging to help maximise the proportion of recycled content and its ability to be recycled. This will not only assist distributors in achieving best practice in this area, it will also help to futureproof stocked ranges from further potential tax and legislative changes. “It is also worth noting that the PPT does not apply to transport packaging used to ensure the safe and secure import of components and products into the UK. However, this is an additional area where ERA is undertaking significant investment to demonstrate best practice and proactively reduce the level of packaging required plus increase recycled content, all without compromising on quality or performance. This includes reducing, or in some cases entirely removing, the requirement for bubble wrap and polystyrene, whilst still adequately protecting stock from damage during transportation,” he says. As part of the Tyman Group 2030 Sustainability Excellence Roadmap, ERA has committed to achieving 100% sustainable packaging by 2026, an obligation it began to undertake prior to the introduction of PPT. It has also pledged to eliminate waste to landfill within the same year. The business is also implementing a holistic approach to energy efficiency, including the deployment of renewable energy technologies, in addition to dedicated carbon removal projects for hard-to- reduce carbon emissions.
plastic, manufacturers are currently re-evaluating the construction and design of clamshell packaging to ensure it contains a minimum of 30% recycled content to reduce tax liabilities. However, Burrows points out that, whilst the new tax will be a key consideration for manufacturers and distributors during this design process, it is essential that products will still be visible to potential customers and displayed in an attractive way to ensure continued sales. “To achieve this, manufacturers like ERA are working in close collaboration with distributors to understand how the packaging is used by both merchants and customers to inform how the redesign should look, function and perform,” he says. “For example, introducing recycled PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) content into the construction of clamshells significantly increases the level of recycled plastic, without negatively impacting the usability and performance of the packaging, as the product is still entirely visible and can be displayed in a range of formats.”
Assessing the bigger picture Whilst packaging that is not predominantly plastic by weight will be excluded from the tax, the introduction of the PPT is an opportunity for manufacturers and distributors to improve the sustainability of all types of packaging and to evaluate the recyclability of every material used, including cardboard.
Burrows says a common misconception is that all cardboard is recyclable. “In fact, many composite materials found within cardboard are currently unsuitable for recycling within the UK. Printed cardboard packaging is commonplace throughout the industry, as it is an effective method of displaying key product information, branding and promotional messaging. However, in some instances, the printing process can significantly impact the cardboard’s ability to be recycled.”
Burrows adds: “With the April 2022 deadline fast approaching, merchants can prepare their business now, by working in partnership with manufacturers who are proactively reviewing and refreshing their packaging options to not only address the immediate tax implications but to also achieve the highest possible standards of sustainability in the years ahead.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net October 2021
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