Starting from October, a list of items commonly found in takeaways and foot outlets will be banned across the country.
From October 1st, UK takeaways and food outlets are no longer permitted to use single-use plastics in the sale of food and beverages. The list of items the government is banning includes single-use plastic cutlery or balloon sticks, polystyrene containers and cups and single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls.
The ban will include online and over-the-counter sale and it covers items from new and existing stock. Furthermore, the rules incorporate all types of single-use plastic including biodegradable, compostable and recycled.
Announcing the ban, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Thérèse Coffey said: “I am determined to drive forward action to tackle this issue head-on. We’ve already taken major steps in recent years, but we know there’s more to do, and we have again listened to the public’s calls.”
Local authorities will conduct inspections to ensure fast food restaurants and takeaways are complying with the new legislation. If anyone’s caught flouting the rules, Trading Standards departments will have the authority to fine and prosecute.
Why Is A Ban On Single-Use Plastic Necessary?
It’s estimated that England alone uses 2.7 billion items of single-use cutlery each year, as well as 721 million single-use plates. However, just 10% of those are recycled, which means billions of items are being discarded
This is a real cause for concern as plastic can take hundreds of years to break down, which explains why microplastic is now being found pretty much everywhere including in our oceans, rivers, soil, food and even in the air we breathe! Considering this, it’s clear that someone needs to put the handbrake on before we’re practically swimming in the stuff!
The UK government’s ban on single-use plastics being used by takeaway and food outlets holds significant environmental importance. While the move will no doubt help tackle plastic pollution which is clearly the main aim, there are other benefits that will come from putting the ban in place.
As well as cutting the amount of plastic waste, the ban will no doubt encourage the use of sustainable alternatives. After all, the food and beverages will need to be packaged in something!
The ban also helps shift consumer behaviour toward eco-friendliness, showcases the UK as global leaders in the fight for sustainability and helps protect wildlife which can come to serious harm due to the hazards posed by discarded plastic.
The ban represents a vital step toward a more sustainable and cleaner environment and it’s refreshing to see the UK government take such a bold move by prioritising the needs of the planet.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
On the government’s website, business owners are urged to “use up existing stock before October 1, find reusable alternatives to single-use items and use different materials for single-use items.”
If you own a takeaway business then it’s time to ditch the single-use plastic. Hopefully you’re not sitting on too much stock and you’re ready to make the switch to greener options right away.
If you happen to have a stockpile of polystyrene packaging or plastic straws, don’t be tempted to keep distributing these items to your customers to save money. Failure to stick to the rules might mean you end up even more out of pocket when you’re hit with a hefty fine from the local authorities.
Instead, get to work arranging your new eco-friendly packaging so you’re prepared for the new rules, ensuring you comply with the law and helping put your business on the road to a greener, more sustainable future.
Thankfully, you’ll find a wide range of paper items here. In need of paper cups? Then we have many cups and tumblers to choose from, including compostable paper cups and stylish recyclable tumblers featuring ripple or smooth walls, branded or unbranded – it just depends what you’re looking for.
Likewise, we offer burger boxes, kraft bowls and an assortment of other takeaway packaging, all of which is fully-compliant with the government’s new rules. So if you’re in search of a wholesale takeaway packaging supplier who can help you get onside with the new legislation by transitioning to eco-friendly paper solutions, then you’ve come to the right place!
If you would like to find out more about how Elpack Packaging Solutions can assist your business, or discuss your bespoke packaging needs, get in touch with our expert team today! Call us on 01425 524021 or drop us an email at info@elpack.co.uk
