In April 2022, a new tax on plastic packaging will be introduced in the UK.With just over a month to go until the Plastic Packaging Tax comes into effect, we have summarised the changes that are affecting our products and the wider industry. At Polyco Healthline we are ensuring our customers don’t have to directly make any changes to their business but we want to make customers aware of the impacts of the new tax.

 

What is the Plastic Packaging Tax?

From 1st April 2022, a new tax will be introduced in the UK to encourage greater use of recycled plastic and to help tackle plastic packaging waste. The tax will apply at a rate of £200 per tonne of plastic packaging manufactured or imported into the UK, containing less than 30% recycled plastic.

 

Who will be affected by the new Plastic Packaging Tax?

It is estimated that 20,000 producers and importers will be affected across a wide range of industries. As a major manufacturer and importer of plastic, at Polyco Healthline we have been working hard to ensure we comply with the new Government guidance.

The new tax covers plastic packaging that is manufactured in the UK or imported into the UK. The tax will not apply to packaging containing 30% or more recycled content or to businesses that manufacture or import less than 10 tonnes of packaging per year.

 

What is required of us as a business?

Businesses are required to keep records of the packaging they manufacture or import. The records must show:

  • the weight and proportion of recycled plastic
  • whether the packaging contains greater than 30% recycled content or not. 

Exemptions from the tax relevant to our business include transport packaging of imported goods.

 

How are we supporting our customers?

We have been working hard to ensure our customers are not impacted by the new Plastic Packaging Tax and all changes will be handled by Polyco Healthline.

For example we have:

  • Identified and understood the composition of plastic packaging in our products
  • Discussed with all of our suppliers the implications in relation to our products
  • Worked with a specialist organisation to provide an indicative cost forecast and accurate return submissions.
  • Collected all data relating to the amount of recycled content for each product.
  • Identified opportunities where we can increase the amount of recycled content to a minimum of 30% per product to avoid tax implications.
     

What are we doing to reduce single use plastic packaging?

Over the last few years, we have embarked on a major packaging review, and we have pledged to remove 40 tonnes of single use plastic packaging from our product range by 2023 through packaging redesign.

Some of the initiatives to support Polyco Healthline’s future sustainability goals, include:

  • Converting many of our reusable products to plastic-free packaging by switching polybags to paper bands. Where polythene bags are still necessary, we are ensuring that the minimum 30% recycled content is adhered to, where possible
  • Introducing a range of RPET reusable gloves using the latest yarn manufacturing techniques to repurpose plastic.
  • Using balers for all our transit and transport plastic wrapping on-site and recycling our plastic waste, where possible .
  • Waste offcuts from our UK-based Fusion production facility are collected and turned into pellets to be used in car dashboard manufacturing. 

We are committed to continuing our journey towards becoming more sustainable through initiatives such as eliminating all avoidable plastic packaging waste, and making as much of our packaging recyclable and/or recycled as possible. This will enable Polyco Healthline to offer more sustainable products, packaging and services to our valued customers and partners.

The Plastic Packaging Tax guidance is subject to change until all the legislation is approved by Parliament. You can find out more information and receive ongoing updates on the Plastic Packaging Tax on the Government website here

At Polyco Healthline we are here to help. If you would like to discuss the impacts of the new Plastic Packaging Tax, you can contact us at: [email protected]

FAQ’s:

 

What is the address of the packaging supplier?

Polyco Healthline, South Fen Road, Bourne, PE10 0DN


What type of plastic are Polyco Healthline supplying customers with?

LDPE, HDPE, BOPP, CPP, LDPE Frosted, OPP, PP, Recycled LDPE


What are the current alternatives to plastic packaging?

Current alternatives include paper bands and recycled cardboard.


Will the Plastic Packaging Tax be outlined on invoices?

Since this requirement has been suspended in the legislation, we have no immediate plans to include information about the Plastic Packaging Tax on invoices.


What are the relevant certifications?

ISO 14001 Environmental management system, ISO 9001 Quality management system, ISO 13485 Medical devices management system, ISO 17025 Accredited laboratory.