For brands and retailers, 2021 will be a pivotal year. With sustainability high on worldwide governments’ agendas, new legislation on plastic packaging tax combined with extended producer responsibility (EPR) reforms, there is no time like the present to convert your ecological messaging into responsive, meaningful actions. So, to make sure you’re ahead of the curve, here are five ways ecoveritas can help boost your bottom line this year.
#1. Get prepared, now.
There is now less than a year until the UK Plastic Packaging Tax comes into force on April 1, 2022. To avoid being caught in the crossfire of the new legislation, brands must start collecting the information that relates to the amount of plastic packaging manufactured, imported and exported to estimate the potential cost implications of the annual tax. The tax, which will apply at a rate of £200 per tonne of plastic packaging should the product not contain at least 30% of recycled plastic, is not just backed by environmental organisations and local governments but is also seen as a positive force for good by consumers.
To support brands, retailers and packaging manufacturers and importers, we have designed a free online tool that can help you calculate the cost and potential tax savings by managing your packaging strategy closely. For a quick rundown on how it can help your business, make sure to read our guide. You can also access the Plastic Tax Calculator tool here.
#2. Understand and take control of your EPRs
One of the major challenges faced by brands and retailers is understanding their Extended Producer Responsibilities in each country they operate in. Reform of the EPR systems in both the UK and Europe are currently underway, which means that the producer must be aware of their country-specific obligations when it comes to managing packaging post-consumer use.
At ecoveritas, our compliance team can quickly assess your obligations in each of the countries your business operates in to provide an efficient, cost-effective and outsourced solution. By managing scheme registrations with the correct authorities, paying compliance scheme fees, securing data collection and providing submission services, we can help your business save time and money, minimising errors and reducing administration costs. Find out more about our EPR service, here.
#3. Increase your business resilience
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain over the last year. Now, with revised legislation, understanding why those vulnerabilities exist through data analysis is the key to removing potential supply chain issues in the future. As trusted experts in this area, the ecoveritas team can increase your business resilience by identifying potential risks and opportunities throughout the supply chain, to help you efficiently manage your packaging strategy for today, tomorrow and the future.
For instance, our supply chain audit not only increases your credibility and reliability to meet both international and national laws, but it also improves business relationships and increases consumer brand loyalty. Our consulting services also assist you with Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs) to measure the true environmental impact and cost of your products and services. Why not find out more about our consulting service here?
#4. Design for the Environment
Designing packaging that reduces harmful impact on the environment is a major part of government legislation today. Companies that optimise their designs, minimise energy consumption used, protect and conserve renewable sources and understand how their packaging will be recycled or repurposed post-consumer use are all factors that must be reviewed regularly to remain compliant.
Yet when time is of the essence, ecoveritas can certainly help. Our packaging optimisation service helps brands and retailers develop their packaging portfolios with the environment front of mind. Utilising our team of packaging experts, we offer a complete structural and pack format redesign service to drive on shelf-differentiation and perform a cost efficiency analysis that considers all angles, including factory performance and distribution capabilities. We know packaging inside out at ecoveritas, so you can be assured you are in good hands. Find out more about the service, here.
#5. Review your complete packaging portfolio today
When time is money, navigating confusing and lengthy legislation can be frustrating and time-consuming. However, our team of data specialists can help you meet legislative compliance obligations by highlighting where you can make improvements rapidly to boost your bottom line. Our packaging portfolio review service will detail consumer research and insight, packaging strategy and direction, supply chain audits, physical prototyping and more. To learn how we can help your business meet the needs of both the business and the planet, view our optimisation service today.
To find out more about how we can help you optimise your packaging strategy, contact us through our online enquiry form or email info@ecoveritas.com.
