Consultation on plastic packaging tax launched

The government is seeking views on a proposed tax on plastic packaging. This follows the March 2018 consultation on how to use the tax system to tackle single-use plastic waste. Responses to the proposal led to the government’s Budget 2018 announcement that it will tax businesses that produce or import plastic packaging that has insufficient recycled content. The tax will take effect from April 2022.

The proposed tax is designed to encourage the use of more recycled plastic in the production of plastic packaging to help tackle plastic waste. It will be set at a rate that provides a clear economic incentive for businesses to use recycled material in the production of plastic packaging to create greater demand for recycled plastic and stimulate increased levels of collection and recycling of plastic waste.

Comments should be emailed to ETTanswers@hmtreasury.gov.uk by 12 May.