Sustainable packaging: what it means and the UK rules that reward it
Sustainable packaging protects a product with the least material, is made from recycled or renewable content, and can be reused or recycled after use. In the UK it is no longer only a choice. A tax on plastic and fees on every tonne of packaging now make packaging that is hard to recycle cost more.
Sustainable packaging: key facts
| UK packaging recycled | 73.2% in 2024, according to Defra |
|---|---|
| Plastic Packaging Tax | Charged on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content |
| Packaging fees | Higher for packaging that is hard to recycle, from 2026 |
| Plastic film | Collected for recycling from homes and workplaces in England from 31 March 2027 |
| Deposit return scheme | Due in October 2027 for plastic drinks bottles and cans |
What makes packaging sustainable?
- It uses less. The lightest pack that still protects the product, with no empty space.
- It can be reused. Crates, pallets and refill packs that go round many times.
- It contains recycled material. This creates demand for what businesses and households put in the recycling.
- It can be recycled in practice. One material, easy to separate, in a colour that sorting machines can see.
- It is labelled clearly. People know which bin it goes in.
Which packaging materials recycle best?
| Material | UK recycling rate | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Paper and cardboard | 80.3% | 2025, provisional |
| Glass | 79.1% | 2024 |
| Metal | 78.7% | 2024 |
| Plastic | 53.5% | 2024 |
| Wood | 51.7% | 2024 |
A high rate means the material has a working market. That matters as much as whether it can be recycled in theory.
The UK rules that reward sustainable packaging
Three rules now put a price on packaging choices. The Plastic Packaging Tax applies to plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content. Extended producer responsibility charges large suppliers a fee for each tonne of household packaging, and from 2026 packaging that is hard to recycle pays more. The Simpler Recycling rules make workplaces separate their packaging waste for recycling.
How to make your packaging more sustainable
- Remove layers and fillers that the product does not need.
- Choose one material for each pack, so it does not have to be taken apart.
- Avoid black plastic, which many sorting machines cannot detect.
- Ask suppliers for the recycled content, in writing.
- Be careful with compostable plastic. It cannot go in plastic recycling and needs its own collection.
- Take back and reuse transit packaging such as pallets and crates.
What you cannot avoid, sell. Clean cardboard and plastic film have a price. See the current cardboard prices and plastic prices.
Frequently asked questions
What is sustainable packaging?
Packaging that uses as little material as possible, contains recycled or renewable content, and can be reused or recycled after use.
What is the most sustainable packaging material?
It depends on the product. Paper and cardboard, glass and metal all have UK recycling rates of about 80%. Plastic is lighter to transport but only about half of it is recycled.
Is compostable packaging better?
Not always. Compostable plastic cannot be recycled with other plastic, and most areas have no collection for it. It suits food service waste that is collected with food.
Does sustainable packaging cost more?
Sometimes at the point of purchase. Against that, packaging with recycled content avoids the plastic tax, and packaging that is easy to recycle pays lower fees.
What is the Plastic Packaging Tax?
A UK tax, charged by the tonne, on plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic. It applies to businesses that make or import 10 tonnes or more a year.