The UK Government has launched a consultation on the possible introduction of a certification requirement for manufacturers and importers of plastic packaging containing mechanically recycled plastic.
The exercise looks at concerns over claims about recycled content and considers possible changes to the evidence needed to secure an exemption from Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) where packaging contains at least 30% recycled plastic.
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Under the proposal, certification would become compulsory for mechanically recycled plastic used in packaging.
The government says the aim is to reduce the risk of false or mistaken claims about recycled content, bring greater consistency to evidence standards, reinforce compliance work and align the rules with other PPT changes.
Officials are asking for views on how widespread fraud may be, the effect on businesses that would fall within the scope of the change, how the requirement could work in practice and when it could be introduced.
Responses are being sought from across the plastics supply chain, including mechanical plastic recyclers, tax advisers, trade and professional bodies, waste management firms, local authorities and other interested parties.
The consultation period runs for 12 weeks from 18 May 2026 until 10 August 2026.
The government will hold meetings with key stakeholders and others who may be affected by the proposals. It will later review submissions and issue a formal response.
The consultation comes after earlier policy decisions on chemically recycled plastic.
At Autumn Budget 2024, the government said businesses would be allowed to use a mass balance approach (MBA) to account for chemically recycled plastic used in plastic packaging for PPT purposes, with the stated aim of supporting the use of and investment in advanced chemical recycling technologies.
The government says most responses to an earlier PPT consultation supported making certification mandatory for chemically recycled plastic alongside that change, as a way to prevent fraud and preserve consumer confidence.
As set out in Budget 2025, businesses will be able to use an MBA from 1 April 2027.
