A new Plastic Packaging Tax is impacting countries including the UK. While it is not currently mandated in the US, it could be implemented in the future. Affected businesses will have to pay the penalties or meet the material requirements. The tax on the production and import of plastic packaging with less than 30% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content came into effect on April 1, 2022.
The tax will be charged at a rate of £200 ($330) per UK ton, and it is believed that some businesses may initially consider that price to be more cost-effective than investing in PCR for their packaging.
However, the actions of competitors, customer preferences, and corporate sustainability goals will also be influential primary factors when businesses consider the value of using PCR in their packaging.
In addition, a greater long-term consideration will be the global circular economy, and the vital role PCR plays in meeting the targets of the various regional plastics pacts.
For example, beyond the UK, one of the four targets of the ANZPAC Plastics Pact – covering Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands – is to have an average of 25% recycled content in plastic packaging across the region.
The US Plastics Tax is targeting an average of 30% recycled content or responsibly sourced bio-based content in plastic packaging by 2025. Similarly, the European Plastics Pact is aiming for at least 30% of recycled plastics being used in new products and packaging. In the UK, our target is an average of 30% recycled content across all plastic packaging.
So, tax or no tax, PCR plays an essential role in future steps towards greater sustainability and achieving circularity.
Designed for Recyclability
The Platinum Packaging Group provides customers within the US with a comprehensive offering to meet their PCR requirements—and has done so for some time. From PCR content in PET food trays and flexible packaging films to meet growing interest in the US, we have launched PCR product solutions across the following ranges:
- HSPET PCR
Ovenable PET overwrap and lock down non-peel films.
Offering greater convenience with peelable lidding films. - HSPET
Ovenable PET peelable overwrap for pizza applications and peeling lidding on APET and PCR APET trays.
All of the product specifications that contain PCR (derived from mechanical processes) meet the minimum of 30% content required to avoid the UK tax. - New for 2023 PCR Mylar Type lidding
All above films are solutions suitable for sealing to CPET, Mono CPET, APET, RPET and PP trays.
In addition, anti-fog is available and the PCR films are vegan-suitable.
Our mechanical PCR lidding film grades are all suitable for chilled and “remove before heating” applications.
Another benefit is that most of our PCR products are classed as 95%+ mono material specifications and are designed for recyclability.
Using PCR materials for your packaging will reap the long-term benefits of creating a positive impact on the environment and allow you to gain from the value of attracting customers who are increasingly sensitive to sustainability matters.
Please reach out and contact us at [email protected] or call us at 562.630.6700
Further information can be found by visiting this page Recyclable Packaging And Films | Resealable Packaging Films – Platinum PKG (platinumpkggroup.com) to see all the options we have with PCR and other substrates.
