Manufacturers Must Reduce Waste

The wheels are turning to push through the latest environmental legislation that will make suppliers think twice about their manufacturing processes as well as the waste that is produced from their products. After all, the environment was a hot topic in the recent general election and now it’s time for the politicians to make good on their promises.

Why did we need a new Environmental Bill?

Currently, it’s thought that that 67% of plastic waste in the UK comes from product packaging and with more than 90% of UK businesses not doing their bit to recycle. This is damaging our natural surroundings and giving businesses that don’t look after their own waste a bad name.

Confusion concerning domestic recycling collections has been blamed for the drop in UK household recycling from 45.2% in 2017 to 44.7% in 2018.

Without the introduction of new legislation, waste will continue to increase.

What is the new Environmental Bill?

The Environment Act 2021 And What It Means For Manufacturers

 Back in 2020, we discussed the Environment Bill and the importance of UK manufacturers doing their bit to reduce waste. The Environment Bill received royal assent and officially became law in November 2021, a world-leading Act that will “improve air and water quality, tackle waste, increase recycling, halt the decline of species, and improve our natural environment.”

 As part of the Environment Act 2021, the UK Government will set targets to see significant commercial waste reduction from businesses, including manufacturers. It’s time for businesses in the UK to take charge of the waste problem and help contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment for future generations.

>Why do we have the Environment Act?

It’s estimated the UK uses over 5 million tonnes of plastic each year, with around half of the figure attributed to packaging. While recycling initiatives and waste reduction commitments have contributed to improvements, there is still more to be done to cut waste and halt the decline of our natural environment.

The Environment Act will set clear targets for waste reduction, putting the responsibility on businesses, as well as local authorities and individuals to cut their waste. Businesses that fail to comply with the Act face penalties, ensuring everyone makes a real commitment to change.

The Act not only set out targets but will ensure support is provided to businesses to ensure they can deal with waste management effectively.

Legislations across the UK are also introducing legislation to tackle recycling and plastic waste. The Scottish Government has released its Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) regulations, while the Welsh Government’s commitment to be a ‘zero waste nation’ by 2050 has seen the creation of new rules that will fine businesses whose customers contribute to commonly-littered items.

More affordable waste management

The introduction of the Environment Act means manufacturers will need to take action to ensure a reduction in waste such as plastic, paper and cardboard. Finding more effective ways to handle waste disposal can come at a price, but by making adjustments to practices and using more recyclable materials, businesses can reduce their waste collection costs. Sustainable materials mean cheaper waste disposal, so businesses who implement the Act’s recycling procedures will be able to reduce their waste spending.

Easier ways to manage cardboard waste

Cardboard is one of the most widely recycled materials by businesses in the UK. But the volume of cardboard businesses deal with can make it difficult to manage. Cardboard balers are an excellent way to manage cardboard waste. By compacting your cardboard into manageable bales, you can not only increase the amount of cardboard you recycle, but stop it from taking up too much space too.   

Simply your waste management processes

Reduce plastic waste with phs Wastekit

By consulting with waste management experts, businesses can tackle commercial waste easily and effectively. PHS Wastekit is able to ensure your practices meets the guidance set out by the government, helping you avoid penalties whilst also helping your business reduce its non-recyclable waste.

We provide a free Wastesaving Audit to help your business improve its waste management practices. We can recommend changes that will benefit your business, including cardboard compactors, plastic balers and an array of other waste handling solutions. Introducing new measures can help you sort and store your waste more effectively until it’s sent for recycling.

With the legislation now in place, more and more measures will be introduced to tackle commercial waste and encourage better recycling rates amongst manufacturers.

Overhauling your business practices will not only help you avoid penalties and criminal proceedings, but it can also help you run a more sustainable, greener business – thus making a substantial contribution to your business sustainability agenda. Your customers and clients will also benefit from your greener practices, as it will help them purchase fewer single-use plastics and make it easier for them to recycle their waste. From sustainably produced packaging to clearer packaging guidance, there are many ways your business can influence others to help the environment.

References:

https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/2593

https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2021/11/23/the-environment-act-2021-a-turning-point-for-nature/

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/world-leading-environment-act-becomes-law

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8515/

https://www.gov.scot/publications/environmental-protection-single-use-plastic-products-scotland-regulations-2021-strategic-environmental-assessment-post-adoption-statement/