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Key Takeaways from the plastic packaging tax webinar by EY

In 2020 the EU proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. According to experts, the high level of ambition to tackle the climate crisis will put the EU on a balanced pathway to reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

The new target is based on a comprehensive Impact Assessment of the social, economic and environmental impacts. The Assessment demonstrates that this course of action is realistic and feasible. 

New plastic packaging taxes is one of the several tax reforms which is an effective measure to reduce the skyrocketing plastic pollution ensuring a reduction in the use of fossil fuels, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions.

We participated in a webinar held by EY  on how businesses can prepare for plastic packaging taxes in Europe. Here are some of the excerpts and key takeaways from it.  Let’s start with what is happening in some of the countries in Europe when it comes to plastic tax.

Overview of the new development in Europe

New legislation implemented

UK 

01/Apr/22

Plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic 
Implementation planned and draft legislation available 

Italy 

1 January 2023 (tbc)

Non-reusable plastics packaging (only if non-recycled) 

Poland 

 1 January 2023 (tbc) 

EPR: expected to include plastic packaging (and other packaging) for consumer use 

Portugal  

01/Jul/22

Contribution on single-use plastic or aluminum packaging for ready-to-eat meals 

Spain

01/Jan/23

Non-reusable plastics packaging (only if non-recycled) 
Implementation planned but no draft legislation available

Belgium

tbc

Higher plastic packaging rates and additional liability parties expected to be included in scope of EPR 

France

upcoming (tbc)

Sweden 

 Postponed to 2023 

No information available 
Considerations 

Bulgaria 

tbc 

Ordinance published that SUP has to be reduced. Open how it will turn into legislation, e.g., deposit systems or a tax 

Germany 

July 2022; January 2024 (tbc) 

German Packaging Act updated as of July 2022; new regulations regarding SUP items as of January 2024 (tbc) 

Hungary

tbc (existing one since 2012)

Complete revision expected for two years but no concrete plans published by the authorities 

The Netherlands

 2023 (tbc)  Plastic tax on virgin plastic (polymer) suggested (tbc) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is always difficult to keep pace with the ever-changing plastic laws and regulations but here are some tips that can help you keep pace:

  • Monitor the legislations

  • Set up a pilot – learn from experiences with the upcoming legislation

  • Build a general data structure – aligned to the majority of countries, and adjust for differences for each country

  • Keep appropriate documents and introduce due diligence processes

  • Identify stakeholders who can help provide relevant information, data and documents

    Why SHIELDLER?
    SHIELDLER__Virgin Plastics_Blog Post

To summarise this blog, we can say that the hidden cost of virgin plastic is huge and humanity is now producing more than 200 million tonnes of municipal solid plastic waste annually. But to see the light in the tunnel we have enough waste that can be turned into recycled material which is what SHIELDLER, an Archwey company is doing for the healthcare and nutraceutical industries. We have access to BLUEWAVE®, the 100% recycled and recyclable material made from ocean-bound plastic collected from 4 of the world's most polluted rivers. Know more by getting in touch with us:https://www.shieldler.com/our-material

 

 

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