Government set to implement 'plastic packaging tax' in 2022

25 Jul 2019

The government is set to introduce its so-called 'plastic packaging tax' in 2022.

According to the government, plastic packaging accounts for 44% of the plastic used in the UK. The UK generates over 2 million tonnes of plastic packaging each year.

First announced in the 2018 Autumn Budget, the tax will affect plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content, and will take effect from April 2022. The tax will be UK-wide.

In February 2019, the government launched a consultation on the design of the tax, and how best to implement it without causing 'administrative disruption'. It has now published a summary of responses to the consultation, and intends to set out detailed proposals on the matter at Budget 2019.

Commenting on the plastic packaging tax, the government stated: 'The tax will be set at a rate that provides a clear economic incentive for businesses to use recycled material in the production of plastic packaging, which will create greater demand for this material and in turn stimulate increased levels of recycling and collection of plastic waste, diverting it away from landfill or incineration.'

The summary of responses to the consultation can be found here.