New study recommends levy on virgin packaging in UK

A new study has recommended a levy on all virgin packaging in the UK in a move to improve recycling in the country.

The report was written by the Eunomia Research and Consulting policy team for the WWF UK and Resource Association.

Titled ‘Demand Recycled: Policy Options for Increasing the Demand for Post-Consumer Recycled Materials’, the report noted that imposing a fine on packaging and products can increase the demand for post-consumer recycled materials (PCR) in the UK.

It also mentioned that the amount should be refunded for companies who demonstrate their use of secondary materials, which could be effective in creating a circular economy.

WWF UK marine policy head Lyndsey Dodds said: “Our oceans are choking on plastic, 90% of the world’s seabirds have fragments of plastic in their stomach. Despite the public outcry, more products are being made with virgin or new plastic than with recycled plastic.

“A new system is needed, where a levy on all packaging is used to reward those using the most recycled material, to incentivise the use of recycled material and support the target announced in the budget for a minimum of 30% recycled plastic in products.”