Plastics and packaging: more change ahead

The pervasive nature of plastics has attracted significant consumer, media and legislative interest over recent years. Present negotiations at UN level supplement more local developments on packaging and waste and the need for solutions. Action continues to be proposed and taken by lawmakers to incentivise behavioural change.

Scrutiny of the extent of materials and other resources used, products’ ability to be reused and recycled and wider effects such as microplastics has gained momentum. The ‘polluter pays’ concept is increasingly influencing consumer products and services involving brand reputation and economic impacts. We can assist with the challenge of staying ahead of multi layers of proposals and understanding how they link together.

Example EU measures:

• Plastics Strategy: all plastic packaging on the EU market to be recyclable or reusable by 2030.
• Extended producer responsibility: clean up, waste management and awareness raising measures.
• New product markings to inform consumers of appropriate waste management options and the presence of plastics in the product are required on certain products.
• A blanket ban on oxo-degradable products from July 2021.
• A ban on SuP cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, beverage stirrers, balloon sticks, food containers and cups made of expanded polystyrene.
• From 2024, plastic SuP beverage containers of up to 3 litres will be banned unless lids remain attached.
• Member States will be obliged to collect 90% of SuP drinks bottles by 2025 achieved through deposit return schemes or separate collection targets for relevant extended producer responsibility schemes.
• Revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.
• Proposed prohibition on intentionally added microplastics to certain products to be effected through REACH.
• Measures to encourage the re-use of products and promotion of repair and reuse.
• Ecodesign for sustainable products and re-use and recycling targets for textile waste.

Example measures in the UK:

• Proposed extended producer responsibility – 100% net costs funded by producers and the introduction of mandatory labelling.
• Plastic packaging tax – a tax on plastic packaging manufactured/imported with a recycled content below 30%.
• Deposit Return Schemes – in Scotland in 2023 and post consultation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Call for evidence on single use containers and other items such as plastic sachets, bowls, plates, personal sanitary products, fruit and veg packaging.
• Ban on distribution and/or sale of plastic straws, stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds in Scotland and England 
• Latte levy’ on disposable cups in Scotland under consideration and takeback for filled fibre-based composite cups.
• Scottish Government propose to ban plastic containing wet wipes.
• Extended producer responsibility for textiles.
• Sustainable Clothing Action Plan and Textiles 2030 initiative.