• Innovation in environmentally friendly packaging: Striving for more sustainable packaging remains one of the key trends within UK packaging overall, with Coca-Cola notably announcing plans to use 50% recycled PET in its plastic bottles by 2020. The government and many consumers alike are putting pressure on companies to improve their environmental credentials, while environmentally friendly packaging will attract a growing number of customers.
  • Growing interest in return schemes for plastic and glass bottles: There are no deposit and return schemes for glass bottles in the UK via the on- or off-trade. However, some link the increases seen in plastic waste to a lack of such schemes, which were previously widely used in the UK until the 1990s. Deposit and return schemes could also be used to reduce costs in the on-trade channel. There are also calls for a deposit and return scheme for plastic bottles in the UK, with similar pilot schemes proving successful in countries such as Germany and Australia. The government called for views on setting up a plastic bottle deposit return scheme in October 2017, with the aim of reducing plastic waste.
  • Recycling rates fall in England for the first time: December 2016 saw the announcement that household recycling rates had dropped for the first time in 2015, with EU targets for 2020 thus unlikely to be met. The combined recycling and composting rate for household waste reached 44% in 2015, down from 45% share in 2014. As a result, the government has floated the idea of implementing a tax on packaging manufacturers to fund recycling initiatives.

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This database attempts to compile data from numerous sources. Users should be aware that because different sources are used, there could be errors or omissions. The user accepts that the information is only intended to be an initial reference. The user understands that there is no assurance that this reference material is error free, and that no one involved in compiling or distributing this reference material shall be liable for any damages arising out of its use. Commercially important information should be rechecked and verified with knowledgeable parties in the country of interest.