Measures to tackle our plastic problem have been a long time coming. In April 2022 the UK government implemented new legislation with the aim of encouraging businesses to be more responsible about the use of plastic across all industries. Food and beverage accounts for a substantial amount of the UK’s current plastic waste, which sadly often ends up in landfill. So, how will this new plastic tax affect us, and does it go far enough?
At Smart Soda, we are already one step ahead; we only supply biodegradable cups for our drinks dispensers, as well as encouraging the use of personal refillable cups and bottles. Being kind to the environment is already our top priority. Not only is Smart Soda a healthier choice, but we have also already made sustainable decisions regards packaging, which is good news when we look at how this new ‘green’ tax on packaging is likely to play out.
What is the new plastic tax?
In a nutshell, all plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic will be subjected to this tax from April 2022. The idea being to financially incentivise businesses to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of plastic packaging. It only applies to ‘finished’ products and so includes packaging in the form of drink bottles. It is estimated that as a result, recycled plastic in packaging could increase by an extra 40% and offer carbon savings of nearly 200,000 tonnes in 2022 to 2023*.
Who is likely to be affected?
Manufacturers, retailers and consumers will all be affected in one way or another.
What are the main objectives?
- Provide more incentive to business to use recycled plastic in their packaging
- Encourage recycling of plastic and divert plastic away from landfill
- Stimulate the recycling industries and drive recycling technology in the UK
Who really picks up the cost?
As Smart Soda don’t supply beverages in plastic bottles or cups, we won’t need to pass additional costs for packaging to our customers. But some beverages may do exactly that, meaning the retailer and end consumer will be the ones to foot the bill. As the plastic bottle only makes up a small part of the total cost, the end consumer probably won’t notice particularly, but the retailer will feel the impact for sure. This is what makes Smart Soda such an appealing option not only for retailers, but also end consumers and ultimately the planet.
Small changes in behaviour give big results
Hopefully we are getting to the point where businesses are happily taking more responsibility for plastic waste. Small adjustments in behaviour by both businesses and consumers are the least we can do to reduce our consumption of plastic, and we look forward to assessing the environmental impact of this new plastic tax.
Everything we do begins with alkaline water.
Why Smart Soda?
Doing our bit for the planet couldn’t be easier. Our drinks platforms blend the carefully crafted concentrates with mains fed water at the point of dispense, fresh for every customer. This way we remove the distribution, storage and waste disposal of lorry loads of plastic bottles and cans.
Each of our 5L bag-in-box drinks removes 120 (330ml) cans or 80 (500ml) bottles from the distribution chain. Even our boxes are re-cyclable.
Imagine limitless delicious alkaline and flavoured sparkling water on tap in your store, bar, restaurant or place of work. No ordering, storing or throwing out single-use plastic bottles or cans. Drink delicious and healthier sodas and flavoured waters whilst minimising your ecological footprint. We are on our journey to be one of the most sustainable soft drinks supplier in the UK.
Are You Ready for Smart Soda?
Then get in touch with one of our friendly, experienced team members to take the first step.
