KBS - Packaging - Market Insight

REGULATION The introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) which came into effect in 2022 has added pressure for manufacturers to invest in environmentally friendly packaging. It applies at a rate of £223.69/tonne (2025 tax year rate) on plastic packaging components with less than 30% recycled plastic which are manufactured or imported into the UK. Moreover, in 2023 the Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP) was introduced. It assigns producers responsibility for the end-of-life of products, both financially and operationally. In April 2024, the UK launched the Circularity in Primary Pharmaceutical Packaging Accelerator (CiPPPA) as a way of developing and implementing strategies for the end-of-use recycling of medicinal devices and pharmaceutical packaging, supporting the country’s recyclable packaging solutions. By disincentivising the usage of unsustainable materials, the government has encouraged firms to opt for recyclable plastic and other alternatives. The European Commission is focused on significantly improved capacity for plastic recycling, with a target of 55% of the EU’s total plastic waste recycled by 2025. Many countries are either banning non-recyclable plastic bags or adding a tax.

The Countries Banning Plastic Bags National-level regulation to ban/limit the use of plastic bags (2021)

Full or partial ban Charge/tax Under consideration

* Can also include charges. Some bans not in effect yet. Sources: United Nations, media reports