The ban will affect all restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars, as well as retailers and will include single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers.
Government research has shown that England uses 2.7bn items of single-use cutlery, but only 10% are recycled.
From October, these plastic products will no longer be available in any business, from retailers and takeaways to the hospitality industry. Over 95% of businesses in England have supported this movement.
The ban will not apply to plates, trays, and bowls that are used as packaging in shelf-ready pre-packaged food items which be included in government plans for an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme to incentivise producers to use packaging that can be recycled. For example, pre-packaged salad bowls and containers filled with food at the counter of a takeaway will be excluded from the ban.
The government is also considering extending the ban to include single-use plastic sachets, wet wipes and tobacco filters.
Key points to know
- Includes single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, and some types of polystyrene cups and food containers.
- From October 2023, retailers, takeaways, food vendors and the hospitability industry will not be allowed to sell these.
- It does not include wet wipes or sachets – but the government says it is considering measures to address these.
- The ban will not apply to plates, trays, and bowls that are used as packaging in shelf-ready pre-packaged food items, but these will be included in government plans for an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme.
- Scotland and Wales introduced similar legislation in 2021.
Preparing for the ban on single-use plastics
- Start running down current stocks of the banned items.
- Avoid ordering any more of the single-use plastic items to be banned.
- Speak with your packaging supplier (if you use one) to discuss the alternatives for your next order.
- Look for opportunities. For example, could you encourage or offer a small discount to customers who bring their own cups or containers. If you sell packaged products, there may be some new branding or partnership opportunities available with a new, more sustainable type of packaging.
- Consider alternatives such as reusable items. But when you must use a single-use item, consider using those made from materials such as bamboo, wood, or paper (Forest Stewardship Council certified where applicable).
- Consider the impact this might have on your costs and therefore your margins, and if there are any actions you can take to compensate or mitigate this, such as bulk ordering, review of suppliers or pricing.
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