Plastic Industry Calls for Government Clarification on Mass Balance

The plastics industry, in collaboration with the British Plastics Federation (BPF), has sent a joint letter to the new Exchequer Secretary, James Murray MP, urging a response to the previous mass balance consultation.

The consultation, which concluded in October 2023, has yet to receive a response, and there is no indication of whether the government will accept mass balance as a method for calculating recycled content within the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT).

The letter emphasizes that critical investment decisions are currently being made, with companies potentially opting to invest outside the UK due to the uncertainty around the acceptance of mass balance with PPT.

According to the BPF, this uncertainty hinders green growth opportunities and prevents UK-developed innovations from being commercialized. The foundation also asserted that the UK has the potential to become a leader in chemical recycling, contingent on companies’ confidence to invest.

The new Defra minister has announced the development of a Roadmap to Zero Waste, which the BPF claims will require chemical recycling alongside broader investment in the UK’s recycling infrastructure.

The letter has garnered signatures from 14 organizations, including the Chemical Industries Association, Chartered Institute of Waste Management, Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, Environmental Services Association, Food and Drink Federation, Foodservices 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, and Recoup.

BPF director general, Philip Law, commented, “This letter demonstrates that representatives from the entire plastic supply chain, recyclers, and waste management companies support mass balance and acknowledge its crucial role in achieving a circular economy. We eagerly await a response from the Exchequer Secretary and hope the current uncertainty surrounding this innovative sector is resolved soon, enabling the UK to realize its potential as a leader in advanced recycling technology.”