Avoiding the Plastic Packaging Tax: A Guide for UK Businesses Using Recycled Polythene

The UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax, introduced in April 2022, is designed to encourage businesses to use more sustainable materials.

It applies to plastic packaging manufactured in or imported into the UK, with a tax rate of £217.85 (from April 2024) per tonne if less than 30% of the plastic is made from recycled content. For businesses that use a lot of plastic, this tax can increase the companies expenses.

Since sustainability is so important today, many owners ask themselves one question:

“How can we comply with the tax while maintaining the functionality and cost-effectiveness of our packaging or plastic use?”

Today, there is one solution and it is recycled polythene. It’s a great option as it not only reduces tax liability but also supports environmentally responsible practices.

The financial and environmental benefits of using recycled polythene

As we said in the beginning, using recycled polythene is a practical way to avoid the plastic packaging tax and contribute to sustainability goals (if that’s of course one of the values of your company). To make it more clear, let’s check the benefits in more detail:

Cost savings. The recycled plastic meets the tax threshold of 30% recycled content, so there is no need for your company to pay this tax.
Sustainability goals. Recycled polythene reduces waste by giving post-consumer materials a second life. Incorporating it into your packaging not only meets regulatory requirements but also demonstrates your company’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
Maintained performance. Advances in recycling technology ensure that recycled polythene retains the strength, durability, and versatility required for demanding applications. This allows you to meet functional needs without compromising on quality.

So currently, recycled polythene is truly a win-win solution for everyone.

How PolyPCW became a game-changer

PolyPCW is a recycled polythene product developed by Polythene UK to meet the growing need for sustainable and tax-compliant packaging. Unlike traditional options, it can be made up to 50% post-consumer recycled content, which complies with the plastic packaging tax in the UK. The second great thing about it is that there is no sacrifice of quality.

What sets PolyPCW apart is how it balances performance and sustainability. Through advanced recycling processes, waste materials are transformed into durable and functional products that can handle complex applications. Here is how the process works:

For businesses looking to align with sustainability goals while avoiding unnecessary costs, PolyPCW offers a practical solution. It’s not only a step forward for the environment, but also a way to maintain high standards in packaging without compromise.

The Polythene UK mobile scheme

One of the biggest challenges for businesses when it comes to recycling plastic is the logistics. This is where Polythene UK’s mobile scheme can help you. To simplify the process, this free national service allows companies to recycle their waste polythene without needing to invest in expensive equipment.

The scheme features a van equipped with a baling and compactor system that collects waste polythene directly from your site. This not only saves businesses the £3,000 typically required to purchase a compactor but also eliminates ongoing maintenance costs. Even better, the service is completely free of charge.

Polythene UK has carefully integrated this scheme into its existing operations to minimise its carbon footprint. Every collection trip is planned to coincide with regular delivery routes, ensuring efficiency and environmental responsibility.

After collection, the waste polythene is processed and recycled into materials like PolyPCW, creating a closed-loop solution. So in this case businesses reduce waste, cut costs, and play an active role in sustainability. This mobile scheme makes recycling as easy and efficient as possible, removing the barriers that often stop companies from adopting greener practices.

Steps to get started with recycled polythene

If you’re considering recycled polythene as a way to avoid the Plastic Packaging Tax, getting started is simpler than you might think. The first step is to evaluate your current use of plastic packaging and identify where recycled alternatives can be introduced. This doesn’t mean overhauling your entire process but finding practical areas where change can make a real difference.

Next, reach out to suppliers like Polythene UK to explore the options available. With products like PolyPCW and services such as the mobile recycling scheme, they provide tailored solutions to meet the needs of different businesses. You can also request samples to test the quality and performance of recycled materials before committing.

Once you’ve identified a solution, the process of integrating recycled polythene is straightforward. Polythene UK offers support throughout, from collection and recycling of waste polythene to delivering products that are ready for use in your packaging operations.

Switching to recycled polythene is not just about avoiding a tax; it’s about future-proofing your business. By adopting sustainable practices now, you position your company as forward-thinking and environmentally responsible, setting a strong foundation for long-term success.