The options that you have regarding your choice of packaging material is being significantly reduced, whether it is consumer attitudes or increasing legislation, the importance of having a plastic free packaging strategy is clear.
By not reducing the amount of plastic in your packaging you risk increased taxation and potential brand damage.
When reviewing recent industry news the Plastic Packaging Tax announced in the budget reminded us of the two consumer reports by Tetrapak and Mintel earlier this year.
Impact of the UK Plastic Packaging Tax
Has your business started planning for the plastic packaging tax announced in the Chancellor’s Budget? It comes into effect in April 2022 and will have wide-ranging implications for businesses whose products have less than 30% recyclable material.
This is not the only cost that will be rising, as Dom De Ville outlines in his excellent article for Food Manufacturer. From the Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) charges to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, the cost of doing business since 2017 has risen dramatically and will continue to rise throughout 2020. Any business that is ready to address the number of recyclable materials in their packaging before the new legislation will have an advantage over those who don’t.
De Ville gives detailed information on the 5 steps you should be taking to mitigate the effects:
- Understand the risks to your business
- Join up your packaging and business strategies
- Lead from the top and take a company-wide approach
- Avoid knee jerk reactions
- Don’t try to do it on your own
Consumer attitudes to plastic driving recyclable innovations
In recent reports from Mintel and Tetrapak the pressure that retailers are facing as a result of consumer attitudes to the environment were highlighted. Also mentioned by De Ville in his opinion piece this is not something brand owners or retailers can ignore.
What stands out in both Tetra Pak and Mintels report is that consumers are placing a high degree of responsibility on retailers to address the environmental impact of packaging. Retailers are increasingly aware of this with 97% of respondents in TetraPak’s report saying “responsible packaging is a chief consideration when choosing a supplier”.
Whilst most consumers understand the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ principals, it is not always clear what can and cannot be recycled and in to which waste stream it can be placed. Mintel’s ‘Packaging Reset’ report states the onus is on manufacturers and retailers to develop recyclable innovations.
You can download the Mintel 2020 Global Packging Trends report for free.
What to do about your plastic free packaging strategy?
For many businesses in both the food and non-food packaging industry these changes are significant. At Chapelton we work with our customers to understand their challenges and help with their strategies and the development of solutions that meet with legislative and consumer needs.
Get in contact today on 01622 882280 or request a callback and we will contact you.
catch up on other packaging news...
Latest Recycling News
the process of recycling is ever changing, here we look at 2 ways waste is being transformed …
Sustainable Packaging Solutions – Is Paper or Plastic Best?
The decision to use paper over plastic may be easier said than done. It is possible though.
Plastic Free Or Left Behind? Plastic Free Packaging Strategy
A plastic free packaging strategy has now become core to your business planning.
Photo by tanvi sharma on Unsplash