The UK government implemented a tax on plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content. The tax, which is scheduled to take effect in April 2022, is intended to encourage the use of recycled plastic and increase demand for recycled plastic. Additional information on the tax is available here. 

On March 11, the UK issued a Consultation Document on the tax seeking comments from businesses, individuals, tax advisers, trade and professional bodies, and other interested parties. Comments are due by May 20, 2020.

Some stakeholders have already expressed concern regarding the tax. In a March 11, 2020 press release, Ian Wright, Chief Executive of the UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF), explained that the UK’s plastic tax “will penalize many food and drink producers who are bound by strict food safety rules affecting the packaging they use.”