The end of the financial year is rapidly approaching, and while resolutions are a little different than in January, cutting back on operational expenses is usually a top priority for businesses. When it comes to your packaging, saving money may be more difficult compared to last April. 

This uptick in prices is down to the upcoming UK Plastics Tax, but what is it and why is it costing your business money? We’re getting into all the details, and how we can help you lessen its impact on your budget! We’ll be discussing who can expect to feel the effects, and more importantly, how we can help you avoid them.

What Is The UK Plastic Tax?

Coming into effect on the 1st of April, the UK plastic tax is an effort by the government to reduce reliance on virgin single-use plastic. The tax applies to any plastic manufactured in or imported to the UK that doesn’t contain at least 30% recycled plastic. 

Charged at a rate of £200 per tonne, the tax directly affects dispatch operations that used 10 or more tonnes of finished plastic components in 2021, and plan to use more in the new financial year. For large scale operations in the food and beverage industry and beyond, this could spell significant cost increases. 

This new tax is set to affect all businesses using plastic, whether it’s directly or indirectly, so there’s no better time to get ahead of it than right now!

How Can Bridge Johnson Help?

Here at Bridge Johnson, we’re proud to be a the forefront of eco-friendly packaging solutions. We’re experts in sustainable packaging and have helped many businesses across the UK improve their carbon footprint and reduce their plastic use. 

Our sustainability experts are on hand to deliver environmentally friendly products tailored to your dispatch operation, and we have a range of products to get you prepared for the UK plastic tax. We’ve discussed two of our most sustainable pallet wraps on our blog before, and these are our favourite options to lessen the impact of the plastic tax.

EcoStretch

Just as the name points out, this pallet wrap is an environmentally friendly packaging solution that makes a big difference to your bottom line. Made up of 30% recycled post-consumer waste, EcoStretch is totally exempt from the 2022 plastic tax. Available in machine applied and hand wrap options, you can enjoy all the benefits of a high-quality wrap while reaching your sustainability goals and saving money.

Surge Film

With up to 420% stretch capability, this film might seem run of the mill, but can actually transform your operation by reducing single-use plastic more than any other pallet wrap. With an innovative high-strength polymer construction, the ultra-thin result means that Surge Film uses 50% less plastic than any other option. Surge Film offers a cost-effective wrap with optimum puncture resistance and protection.