Overview

This bill aims to reduce plastic packaging waste in the UK by setting targets for reduction and recycling, establishing a Plastics Agency to oversee the process, and promoting sustainable alternatives. It seeks to at least match, and ideally exceed, the targets set by the European Union before Brexit.

Description

The bill mandates the Secretary of State to set and enforce annual targets to limit plastic packaging production and sale, and to increase recycling. These targets must meet or exceed those previously set by the EU. A new Plastics Agency will be created to monitor compliance and can take legal action if necessary. The bill also requires a review of government fiscal strategies to shift the costs of waste management to producers and retailers. Additionally, the bill promotes research into and use of sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.

Key Aspects:

• Sets targets for reducing plastic packaging production and increasing recycling.
• Establishes the Plastics Agency for monitoring and enforcement.
• Reviews the potential for fiscal strategies to shift costs of waste management.
• Promotes research and use of sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it anticipates potential costs associated with the creation and operation of the Plastics Agency, research funding for sustainable alternatives, and potential payments to support sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging. Funding mechanisms might include levies on producers and retailers. The bill also anticipates government funds being used to support the Agency's work.

Groups Affected

• Producers of plastic packaging: Will be subject to production targets and potentially levies to fund the Plastics Agency.
• Retailers using plastic packaging: May face similar targets and levies.
• Public authorities: Will have a general duty to limit plastic use and may need to implement changes to meet the bill’s requirements.
• The Plastics Agency: Will have significant responsibilities for monitoring and enforcing the bill’s provisions.
• Researchers and higher education institutions: May receive funding to develop sustainable alternatives.
• Consumers: Could see changes in product packaging and potentially increased prices due to levies.

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