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Incorrect & Fraudulent Claims of Recycled Content in Plastic Packaging – Challenges and Solutions

The Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) forms part of the UK Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy. It was introduced on 1 April 2022 to create a clear economic incentive for using recycled plastic in the manufacturing of plastic packaging. Whilst RECOUP is supportive of the tax, there is concern that the lack of a robust verification system and enforcement of recycled content claims is damaging the competitiveness of the UK’s plastic packaging industry. This report explores the need to strengthen enforcement and ensure the tax achieves its intended environmental and economic outcomes.

More Effective Plastic Packaging Tax

RECOUP believes the Plastic Packaging Tax, under its current operation, needs to be more effective to increase recycled content in plastic packaging. There are opportunities to make the tax more effective, reduce the risk of false claims of recycled content and support the aims of what the tax set out to achieve.

RECOUP is therefore putting forward strategic considerations to HMRC to maximise the overall environmental impact of the tax and avoid unintended and negative environmental outcomes.

Environmental Claims on Goods & Services

This report outlines what Environmental Claims are, why they are becoming commonplace, and the problems around them. It explains the guidance and enforcement carried out by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), as well as material substitution, the FCA anti-greenwashing rule, and the position in Europe.

Exporting our Resources – Developing a UK Plastic Packaging Circular Economy.

This report, which was produced with support and input from the four UK enforcement bodies (EA, NRW, SEPA and DAERA). The report details the volumes of plastic packaging that have been exported for recycling since 2017. It includes a breakdown by nation, enforcement activities and the policy implications of systems such as Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN) and Packaging Export Recovery Notes (PERN), as well as the RECOUP position statement on export of plastic packaging.

Exporting our Resources – Developing a UK Plastic Packaging Circular Economy. Summary Document

This report summarises the “Exporting our Resources – Developing a UK Plastic Packaging Circular Economy” report, which was produced with support and input from the four UK enforcement bodies (EA, NRW, SEPA and DAERA). The report details the volumes of plastic packaging that have been exported for recycling since 2017. It includes a breakdown by nation, enforcement activities and the policy implications of systems such as Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN) and Packaging Export Recovery Notes (PERN), as well as the RECOUP position statement on export of plastic packaging.

Plastic Packaging PRN/PERN Update – 2023

CONFIDENTIAL: RECOUP MEMBERS ONLY

Plastic Packaging PRN update – Updated Aug 2023

CONFIDENTIAL: RECOUP MEMBERS ONLY

Recycled Content Verification Systems

This report outlines the role that a RCVS could play in supporting the keeping of accounts as required by HMRC and the tax commissioner and providing confidence to customers that recycled content has been independently checked.

Position Statement on Food-Contact Recycled Plastics

Position statement on plastic waste export