2 minute read
Celebration Packaging
from SPN Nov 2022
by spnews.com
In April the packaging industry responded to the government’s introduction of a ‘30% recyclable plastic, tax levy. However, as Celebration Packaging MD Nick Barton explains, there are companies that still choose to pay the new tax as it remains the cheapest option for many. Here is his exclusive report.
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Barton told SPN “The Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) and various single-use plastic bans have put the emphasis on seeking alternatives to plastic and packaging suppliers are working hard to introduce more and better, sustainable options.
Whilst operators value the opportunity to enhance their environmental credentials, more effort is needed to educate customers about how best they should dispose of each packaging type at end-of-life. The national recycling system is also inadequate, with different councils adopting different systems, leaving the public confused, and recycling targets missed. Celebration Packaging created the EnviroWare® brand 14 years ago and continues to introduce and recommend a wide variety of sustainable packaging options, made from paper, bagasse, and wood. With plastic packaging, we are focusing on using recycled PET (r-PET) with a minimum content of 30% to avoid the PPT, which came into force in April.
There is a clear desire to use more sustainable packaging, but the cost is often higher than traditional packaging. Customers who continue to use plastic packaging find that it can be cheaper to buy virgin plastic and pay the PPT, than it is to use recycled plastic products – because of the rising cost and limited supply of recycled plastic resin.
Single-use ban delays
Single-use plastic items were banned in Scotland in June, and in September the Welsh Government announced the Environmental Protection – Single-use Plastic Products – Wales Bill. At time of writing, we still don’t have a fixed date when a ban will take effect in England, and this is causing a lot of confusion. Politicians need to announce a date as soon as possible and then give the longest reasonable transition period. The PPT was very rushed and ill-conceived, and the government missed an opportunity to promote the use of reusable plastic products, which make an important contribution to reducing the use of plastic.
Missed opportunities for reusables
The stated aim of the PPT was “to increase the use of recycled plastic in packaging”, but there is a lack of clarity around reusable packaging, as while plastic storage boxes are exempt, the tax still applies to reusable foodservice packaging. The tax is applied on a weight basis, and to be serviceable, reusable packaging is generally thicker and heavier. However, one of our restaurant customers is saving many tons of plastic a year by using our recyclable microwavable reusable portion packaging, instead of single-use plastic packaging.
If food-service operators are looking to improve their sustainability credentials or understand the issues created by the PPT, they need to work with a consultative supplier to ensure that they’re choosing the right packaging – that’s functional, fit for purpose, popular with consumers and above all, sustainable”.
SPN: In Burton’s overview of the current state of play following the introduction of PPT, he raises some interesting questions as well as looking at the current outcomes and solutions. These changes affect all those who are striving for more sustainable packaging options.
