Avoid Tax with Packaging Re-design

Avoid Tax with Packaging Re-design

April 2022 will see the introduction of the UK Government’s Plastic Packaging Tax. What can companies do over the next 12 months to avoid these unnecessary costs?

The volume of plastic being produced across the world is causing major waste issues. It is seriously impacting our environment. Although some plastics can be recycled, the vast majority are not. Plastic straws and cotton buds have already been banned, but further action needs to be taken to address the issue. One step is the introduction of a Plastic Packaging Tax.

The tax will apply to any plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content. It aims to incentivise companies to rethink packaging design and sustainability. Is your company ready to embrace alternative packaging solutions?

Many companies have already taken steps to remove unnecessary packaging. Others are keen to switch to packaging with greater recycled content. There are plenty of available options. These include cardboard and glass, as well as experimental materials including mycelium-based packaging.

If you are ready to make the switch, seek advice from the packaging suppliers. Explain your requirements and test samples to find effective and sustainable packaging solutions.

Rethinking Packaging Design

Addressing the issue of packaging waste is more than switching materials. It provides an opportunity to tune into customer opinion.

What do your customers like about your packaging design and where can improvements be made? Request consumer feedback on the following:

Visual Impact – What aspects of the print and labelling appeals to them?

Touch – How does the packaging feel?

Sound – Do the products jumble around inside?

Functionality – Is the packaging secure, yet easy to open and have the goods been protected?

Reuse – Do any elements of the packaging encourage reuse?

Recycling – Is there clear information on how the packaging can and should be recycled?

Consumer feedback will offer valuable insight to inform packaging redesign.

DEFRA Proposal: Producers Take Greater Responsibility for Packaging

As the UK move towards the plastic ban and G7 targets, The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has produced specific packaging proposals for consultation. These place greater packaging responsibility on producers. The main aims are to:

• Boost packaging recycling
• Reduce litter and packaging waste
• Improve packaging design and labelling

Any organisation impacted has until 4 June to review and respond to the DEFRA Packaging Consultation.

The plans include making it mandatory for any business supplying disposable paper cups to offer a return and recycle scheme. Designated collection points can be provided in-store and in the community to encourage use.

Deposit Return Schemes

Another DEFRA proposal is the introduction of Deposit Return Schemes. These were once commonplace across the UK, so we know they can work.

Greenpeace and CPRE Charity reports indicate that in 2019, 8 billion plastic drinks bottles, cans and cartons were thrown away, not recycled, in the UK. That accounts for 126 pieces of litter per person for drinks alone. This waste is filling our towns, countryside, beaches and oceans. Could Deposit Return Schemes change habits and cut waste?

Cardboard Recycling

Effective systems for the collection of recycling of cardboard are well established. The EU Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) reports that 83.6% of all paper and cardboard packaging is recovered for recycling. The target for 2030 is 85%.

Cardboard shipping boxes and retail packaging are typically formed from 89% recycled content. This means that the recovered material is vital for maintaining supplies.

The sustainability of cardboard packaging is one of its many appealing features. If switching to cardboard could help your company to avoid the 2022 plastic tax, contact Aylesbury Box Company on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk. Our team are happy to discuss your requirements.