Plastic packaging phase-out (2022-2023)

What happened

Phased prohibition of hard-to-recycle plastic packaging (PVC, polystyrene food serviceware, degradable plastics, etc.) under Waste Minimisation Act regulations, July 2022-July 2023.

Why it matters

Reduces plastic waste and lifecycle emissions from petrochemical packaging.

Impact assessment

Small mitigation co-benefit via reduced petrochemical packaging; primary benefits are waste/pollution rather than direct GHG cuts.

Limitations: Near-neutral on a pure domestic-emissions lens; retained as small positive for lifecycle plastics emissions.

Attribution

shared (high confidence) -Labour, Greens

Environment Minister David Parker; waste minimisation programme.

Coalition period: Labour-led government (Greens confidence & supply) (17 October 2020 - 26 November 2023)

Categories

Sources

• MfE - Plastics banned from Oct 2022
• Plastic Packaging Phase-out Regulations 2022