20 Aug 2021
A survey carried out by resource management firm Veolia has revealed that 83% of businesses polled were not aware of the Plastic Packaging Tax, which is due to take effect from April 2022.
The Plastic Packaging Tax is a new tax that will apply to plastic packaging manufactured in or imported into the UK that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic.
The government states that the aim of the tax is to 'provide a clear economic incentive for businesses to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of plastic packaging'.
Veolia's survey found that the biggest incentives for businesses for acting more sustainably are government mandates and environmental conscience.
'The Plastic Packaging Tax is removing the economic burden of acting more sustainably and levelling the playing field for businesses,' said Tim Duret, Director of Sustainable Technology at Veolia UK and Ireland.
'In order to continue this momentum, we need to escalate the tax and roll it out across all types of plastic like construction, cars, furniture and electric goods.'