The ecoVeritas Plastic Packaging Tax calculator enables users to input information relating to the amount of plastic packaging they manufacture, import and export, before generating an estimate of direct costs based on the current draft of the plastic tax legislation. It also allows users to calculate potential annual tax savings that could be achieved by increasing the amount of recycled content used in the manufacture of plastic packaging.
David Harding-Brown, CEO of ecoVeritas, said, “It’s a little over 12 months until the UK Plastic Packaging Tax comes into force and companies need to start thinking now about how they can reduce their liability to avoid costly implications nearer the time.
“Our new tax calculator provides companies across the packaging industry with a free-of-charge estimate that will help them plan for the future and act as a starting point for taking action to reduce future tax obligations.”
Harding-Brown said the company can offer packaging intelligence and advice on compliance and legislation.
“With such a significant – and potentially costly – change on the horizon, we want to ensure companies are as prepared as they can be. As a result, we invite those affected to try our new calculator and engage with our dedicated team. ecoVeritas can provide further advice and guidance in the form of a more detailed cost analysis or support around improving recyclate usage,” he said.
The implementation of the UK Plastic Packaging Tax is part of a new law to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and cut manufacturers’ reliance on virgin plastic. The tax will apply at a rate of £200 ($278) per tonne of plastic packaging not containing at least 30% recycled plastic from April 2022. This will apply to plastic packaging manufactured in, or imported into, the UK.
In terms of liability, businesses that manufacture in the UK or import packaging into the UK will be subject to the tax.
The responsibility also falls onto those across the plastic packaging supply chain, including online marketplaces, fulfillment houses and businesses importing finished packaging into the UK from overseas, where they share joint liability if the tax has not yet been paid.