Recent years have seen a considerable increase in the different ways businesses can play their part in improving sustainability in the collective fight against climate change.
As many of us now know, plastics can be something of a problem when it comes to the environment, since they can take up space in landfill, are energy-intensive to produce and aren’t always recyclable.
Tax on Plastics
The PPT, or Plastic Packaging Tax, aims to tackle this problem by encouraging businesses and individuals to recycle plastics as much as possible, and to minimise the plastic waste generated, according to Gov.UK.
The Fine Print
PPT applies to all plastic packaging which has less than 30% recycled materials. It’s levied on businesses which either manufacture or import qualifying plastics, and, as of April 2025, the rate of tax is set at £223.69 per metric tonne of plastic.
Working out your duty as a business owner can be confusing. This is especially true when ascertaining exactly which plastics are liable and how to pay. Gloucester accountants such as www.randall-payne.co.uk/services/accountancy/gloucester-accountants can support your business with compliance in this niche area.
Exemptions
There are some plastic-based products which are exempt from this rule, particularly those which usually have a longer-term use, such as DVD cases, or products where the plastic is an essential part of the product’s function, such as a printer cartridge.
Additionally, plastic packaging which is used to protect goods imported into the UK – such as transparent protective packaging – is also exempt from the tax.