ENVIRON­MENTAL LEGISLATION

Circular Plastics Alliance has a cast-iron motto: “Citius, altius, fortius”. That’s Latin for “faster, higher, stronger”, which is exactly what we aim to be. Our aim is to improve much faster, achieve higher recycling targets and build stronger partnerships. In this way, we can fulfil our goals faster than any legislation.

We not only make promises, we make them happen.

We want to go above and beyond the environmental laws and agreements mentioned below because we believe that things can always be done even better, together with you.

2018: European Parliament and European Council directives

These guidelines aim for certain plastic products to have a reduced impact on the environment.

2019: Plastic Pact Nederland

This pact was signed by 79 parties (including manufacturers, retailers and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management). In doing so, they took a first step towards making single-use plastic products and packaging more sustainable and suitable for reuse.

2020: European Plastic Pact

Leading companies and governments are working together within this pact at the European level. With this pact, they aim to accelerate the transition to a circular plastic economy in Europe.

2022: Plastic Packaging Tax UK

This tax encourages companies in the UK to use more recycled plastic when producing plastic packaging.

Bron: AfvalOnline

A short overview of the single-use plastic items and fishing gear and the measures foreseen in the Commission’s proposal is attached in the table below:

Together, these measures form the European Packaging Covenant. The objectives of this covenant are as follows:

  • Packaging to be 100% fit for Recycling
  • 70% of the packaging should indeed be recycled at the same original level so no cascade of quality and application
  • The total use of plastics should be reduced by 20%
  • New plastic packaging introduced in the market should have a minimum content of 30% of recycled materials
  • This has become European Packaging Pact legislation

The key points of the Plastic Packaging Tax UK


What will change?

  • Producers and importers have to pay £200 per tonne of plastic packaging…
    • if the packaging is not made of at least 30% recycled plastic, or
    • if the packaging does not largely consist of recycled plastic in terms of weight.
  • Penalties may be imposed if you fail to meet your tax obligations or fail to keep proper records of your plastic production or import.
  • The following products are excluded from the tax:
    • plastic packaging made of at least 30% recycled plastic;
    • packaging that does not consist largely of plastic by weight;
    • packaging of medicines;
    • transport packaging for imported goods;
    • packaging for transport by plane, ship or train;
    • parts that are permanently used for purposes other than packaging (such as CD covers and first aid kits).

 

To whom does this tax apply?

It applies to:

  • UK manufacturers who produce plastic packaging;
  • companies exporting goods wrapped in plastic or plastic packaging (or parts thereof) to the UK;
  • companies purchasing plastic-wrapped products from the UK and importing them.
  • Exception: producers and importers of less than 10 tonnes of plastic packaging per year do not need to pay this tax, but they still have to register their production, use and import or export of plastic.

 

When?

  • The Plastic Packaging Tax will take effect on April 1, 2022.

 

How does it work?

  • You must register how much plastic packaging you make or export or import, as proof of how much you have to pay (or as proof that you don’t have to pay at all).
  • You need to know exactly which part of a packaging consists of recycled plastic.
  • Any company that imports more than 10 tonnes of plastic packaging per year to the UK must register for the Plastic Packaging Tax. This even applies for companies whose packaging consists of 30% or more recycled material.

 

Why this regulation?

  • This tax encourages companies to use more recycled plastic in their production of plastic packaging.
  • This measure is expected to increase the use of recycled plastic in packaging by about 40%. This will save approximately 200,000 tons of carbon in total in 2022 and 2023.

 

Source: Crowe and GOV.uk

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