January's news involves updates for a variety of schemes that we are due to see in 2022, including the likes of the Plastic Packaging Tax and Emissions Trading Scheme.
Read on for the key policy highlights from the past month, including the implementation of digital in the future of our waste and emissions.
Plastic Packaging Tax: An update
Ahead of its introduction in April, HMRC has provided updates to guidance on the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT). They have provided a list of items that are in and out of scope of the tax including storage boxes and mop buckets. Another section has been introduced, stating components that are recorded to be used primarily as non-packaging and exempt from being taxed. These include:
- Film used to coat whiteboards
- Film used to enable the fermentation process to make silage
Entities must provide evidence to claim for these exemptions.
Resources & Waste
Two consultations have been launched by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) this month. The first introduces mandatory digital waste tracking in the UK, requiring those who handle waste to record information about its lifecycle, from production, disposal and after-life. The second focuses on the reform of waste carrier, broker and dealer registration in the UK. Increased competence and background checks will be required to ensure those non-compliant operators will be penalised. A move from registration to a permit based-system is undergoing discussion. April 2022 will host the responses of these.
What else happened in January?
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has added details to its guidance on participating in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). Also taking the digital approach, the BEIS announced they will be introducing a new digital permitting, monitoring and reporting and verification system from August 2022.
-Further Reading-
Supporting businesses to adopt a circular economy
Eliminating single-use plastics has been high on the sustainability agenda in the UK for a while now, with items like plastic straws and cotton buds being banned in the last couple of years.
Influencing consumer behaviour to utilise recyclability
There have been a plethora of news stories about brands redesigning their packaging to improve its recyclability, how can you make your packaging more sustainable?
Unlocking the recyclability of your product
We are all aware we can recycle cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, drinks cans… However, what about crisp packets or sweet wrappers? Or even hard hats and safety glasses? Veolia can help with those difficult items.
A huge step forward in plastic packaging recycling
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) have announced £20 million of funding to help the UK develop revolutionary new plastic recycling systems. This will allow new technologies to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and incineration.