As the UK Plastic Packaging Tax comes into force tomorrow, 1 April, global flexible packaging and lidding films supplier KM Packaging has launched PCR (post-consumer recycled content) in a range of products.
The new UK tax sees all finished plastic packaging manufactured in or imported to the UK – empty or filled – which is made from less than 30 per cent recycled plastic, subject to a $350 a tonne payment.
To meet the growing demand in the UK and elsewhere, KM Packaging has launched PCR product solutions across the following ranges:
- K Peel: offering greater convenience with peelable lidding films
- K Foil: the perfect partner for aluminium trays
- K Seal: a secure packaging solution that reduces the risk of leaks
KM says all of the product specifications that contain PCR (derived from mechanical processes) meet the minimum of 30 per cent content required to avoid the UK tax.
Elsewhere, one of the four targets of the Anzpac Plastics Pact – covering Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands – is to have an average of 25 per cent recycled content in plastic packaging across the region.
The UK Plastics Tax is targeting an average of 30 per cent recycled content or responsibly-sourced bio-based content in plastic packaging by 2025. Similarly, the European Plastics Pact is aiming for at least 30 per cent of recycled plastic being used in new products and packaging.
Therefore, KM Packaging can provide customers worldwide with a comprehensive offering to meet their PCR requirements.
The range of products has both peelable and weld-seal PET PCR lidding films. And there are solutions suitable for sealing to cPET, MonoCPET, aPET, rPET, PP and foil trays (uncoated and lacquered). In addition, anti-fog is available, and the PCR films are vegan-suitable.
Designed for recyclability
The mechanical PCR lidding film grades from KM Packaging are all suitable for chilled and ‘remove before heating’ applications.
Most of KM Packaging’s PCR products are classed as 95 per cent or over mono material specifications, and are designed for recyclability.
Under current legislation, the lidding film experts can also offer chemically-derived PCR solutions in their K Peel and K Foil ranges suitable for microwave and oven heating.
However, chemically-derived PCR solutions will not provide any tax relief. It’s understood that this is under review.
The UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax is to be charged at a rate of £200 ($350.2) per tonne, and it is believed that some businesses may initially consider that to be more cost-effective than investing in PCR for their packaging.
However, the actions of competitors, customer preferences and corporate sustainability goals will also be immediate influential factors when businesses in UK and global markets consider the value of using PCR in their packaging.
A greater long-term consideration will be the global circular economy and the vital role PCR plays in meeting the targets of the various regional plastics pacts.
