On 10 May 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) Government issued Guidance that explains how businesses that manufacture or import plastic packaging, should now prepare for the new Plastic Packaging Tax.
The UK Plastic Packaging Tax will take effect from 1 April 2022. It will apply to plastic packaging manufactured in, or imported into, the UK where the plastic used in its manufacture is less than 30% recycled. The tax will also include imported packaging that already contains goods. The rate of the tax will be £200 per metric tonne of plastic packaging.
The Government has explained that the tax aims to encourage the use of recycled plastic, rather than new plastic, within plastic packaging. It is hoped that this, in turn, it will stimulate increased levels of recycling and the collection of plastic waste, diverting plastic away from landfill or incineration.
Source EY
