A joint letter signed by 14 organisations has called for an “urgent response” from the newly appointed Exchequer Secretary, James Murray MP, to the mass balance consultation.
The previous government’s consultation closed in October 2023 and there has been no response to whether it will accept mass balance as a method for calculating recycled content within the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT).
The letter, which was signed by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), argues that key investment decisions are happening now and companies are choosing to invest outside of the UK, as there is no certainty mass balance will be permitted within the scope of the PPT.
This uncertainty inhibits green growth opportunities and prevents the innovations that have been developed within the UK from being commercialised here, the British Plastics Federation (BPF), which coordinated the letter, said.
The UK has an opportunity to be a leader in chemical recycling, the letter claims, but only if companies have the confidence to invest.
We eagerly anticipate a response from the Exchequer Secretary and hope the frustrating uncertainty hovering over this hotbed of innovation ends soon.
The recently appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Steve Reed has announced his priority to develop a roadmap to zero waste.
The BPF said chemical recycling will be needed to achieve this, along with wider investment in the UK’s recycling infrastructure.
Commenting on the letter, BPF Director General Philip Law, said: “This letter shows representatives of the whole plastic supply chain, recyclers and waste management companies support mass balance and recognise its vital role in achieving a circular economy.
“We eagerly anticipate a response from the Exchequer Secretary and hope the frustrating uncertainty hovering over this hotbed of innovation ends soon, so the UK can unleash its potential as a leading nation in cutting-edge recycling technology.”
The letter was been signed by 14 organisations, many of which represent a large number of companies. The signatories are:
- British Plastics Federation;
- Chemical Industries Association;
- Charted Institute of Waste Management;
- Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association;
- Environmental Services Association;
- Food and Drink Federation;
- Foodservice Packaging Association;
- Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining;
- Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment;
- National Association of Waste Disposal Officers;
- On-Pack Recycling Label;
- Plastics Europe;
- Packaging Federation;
- RECOUP.
