UK Single-Use Plastics Ban - What’s Included, and What Does It Mean for Businesses?
Single-use plastics have been used and discarded for many years without a second thought. As the name suggests, these plastic items are not built to last and are made for convenience; generally used for a short period of time and easy to get rid of. England uses 2.7 billion items of single-use cutlery and 721 million single-use plates per year. Unfortunately, this has had detrimental consequences to our planet and the decision was made to ban them in the UK as of 1st October 2023.
The single-use plastics ban aims to encourage people to find alternatives that do not cause harm to the environment. In this article, we will explore what the ban is; the effect it will have on businesses and, most importantly, the effects it will have on the environment.
What is the single-use plastics ban?
As of 1st October 2023, many different types of single-use plastics have been banned in the UK in a bid to protect the environment. This means that businesses now need to find alternatives for the items they have been using. Whilst this may present a challenge in some areas for companies, it is strongly believed by the Government that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Single-use plastic items that have now been banned include:
- Straws
- Stirrers
- Cotton buds
- Plates
- Bowls
- Cutlery
- Balloon sticks
While the aim is to eradicate all single-use plastics completely, there are some exceptions to the rule. It has been decided that it is still acceptable for businesses to provide food and drink in polystyrene containers if further preparation is required before it is consumed. This includes steps such as adding water or microwaving.
The ban does include single-use plastic bowls and plates but businesses such as takeaways will still be able to provide them as long as they are filled at the point of sale. Retailers will also still be able to provide polystyrene lids on hot drinks as long as the cup is not made from single-use plastic. This exemption also extends to pre-packaged food sold in supermarkets.
Why is the industry committed to moving away from single-use plastics?
As the environment continues to be heavily affected by plastic waste, businesses are becoming more conscious of how plastic is used and what happens to it at the end of its life. This is often the case when companies use large quantities of plastic packaging which then has to be disposed of.
Companies want to be known for their contribution to achieving a more sustainable way of running their business. This is not only because sustainability is a moral imperative but because it increases brand awareness and reaches ethically-minded customers, leading to increased brand loyalty. This aligns with societal expectations in what has become a sustainable business landscape.
The plastic packaging tax is another incentive that was brought in to encourage companies to use less plastic. It was introduced in April 2022 with the aim of discouraging businesses from using plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled materials.
What does the ban mean for businesses?
Businesses that do not comply with the ban could face fines and even criminal charges if they do not comply. Some businesses that will be affected by this are:
- Takeaways
- Restaurants
- Bakeries
- Shops
- Airports
Now that the single-use plastics ban is effective, it is imperative that companies have:
- Used up all existing stock. Anything remaining should be sold or donated.
- Found reusable alternatives to single-use
- Stopped ordering any new single-use plastic items
- Assessed the costs of switching over to different suppliers
How do the single-use plastics ban in Europe and Scotland differ from the UK?
The EU introduced their ban on single-use plastic on 3rd July 2021. One of their targets is that PET beverage bottles should include 25% of recycled plastic from 2025. This should increase to 30% by 2030.
In Scotland, the ban came into force on 12th August 2022 but unlike the UK it has not completely banned the use of plastic straws or balloon sticks. They cannot be used in a commercial capacity.
How can you reduce your use of single-use plastics?
Whether you work for a company or just want to live more sustainably as an individual, there are always things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Some suggestions include:
Switching to a reusable bottle and coffee cup
Reusable cups are everywhere and come in a variety of designs and sizes. If you are someone who loves a cuppa on the go or regularly grabs a bottle of water from a shop, a reusable cup will not only save you money but will help you take huge steps over time to reduce your carbon footprint.
Avoid excess food packaging
When doing your food shopping, consider using your local market for fresh, affordable produce without the excess packaging. You could also make careful selections when choosing your items to select food with as little packaging as possible. When paying, a bag for life is always a better option than a plastic carrier bag.
Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk is generally cheaper in the long run and means that less packaging is used.
Get your milk delivered
A milk delivery not only means you have milk on your doorstep every morning but the reusable glass bottles have no plastic in them whatsoever. This is a much more sustainable way to consume milk and also supports small businesses too.
Use your own cutlery and straws
Whilst disposable cutlery and straws were convenient, they were hugely damaging to the environment, being disposed of in their thousands. Invest in reusable alternatives to improve your carbon footprint.
If you use plastic, ensure it is the right kind
It is important to remember that not all plastics are bad for the environment. If an item is reusable, recyclable or compostable, it can be used as part of a circular economy which ensures that these items are kept in circulation for many years to come.
Can single-use plastic be recycled?
Despite plastic being a stubborn material to break down, thankfully it is sometimes recyclable providing it is disposed of properly after use. However, it isn’t always the easiest process. There are many different recycling labels that are used on everyday items to help identify how to dispose of them.
Commonly recycled single-use plastics include:
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) - water bottles and plastic trays
- High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - cosmetic bottles and milk cartons
- Polypropylene (PP) - Ready meal containers
We are a leading supplier of polythene packaging products and offer 50 years of expertise in this area. Not only do we offer a range of products to suit your packaging needs, we also offer a selection of eco-friendly packaging to ensure that we are as sustainable as possible.
To receive your free sample or to enquire about a quote, contact us today.
Latest Posts
