Packaging data specialist ecoveritas has released a free tool to help businesses understand their obligations under the new UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT).
With the PPT reporting period officially beginning on April 1, any business that manufactures or imports plastic packaging in the UK must register with HMRC. In-scope businesses must then submit quarterly returns breaking down details about their packaging, with the most important information being the percentage of post-consumer recycled content in each component.
The new PPT legislation places increased emphasis on the capture and management of quality packaging data. In addition to the costs brought about by the tax – charged at £200 per tonne of in-scope plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled content – it is expected that some businesses will need to invest in improving their data capturing capability to comply.
Explaining the need for the tool – known as the data collection vehicle – Sandy Dhesi, Commercial Manager at ecoveritas, said: “There is a wealth of help out there for companies who wish to understand what PPT is, who it applies to, and so on. However, very little is out there to help capture the data that is required. We understand that quality granular data is going to prove pivotal under the new legislation, but as many companies are already feeling the pressure of PPT liability, we wanted to make robust data capture as accessible as possible. This is why our DCV tool is completely free.”
The data collection vehicle allows manufacturers, retailers, and brands to collate this data efficiently so they can accurately calculate their tax liability. It is the latest in a suite of free tools from ecoveritas designed to help businesses manage the introduction of PPT and wider EPR laws, alongside their PPT calculator and their global EPR matrix.
Sandy welcomed the launch, saying: “The new legislation is already bringing significant cost impacts, so it is paramount that businesses avoid incurring unnecessary additional costs due to non-existent or poor data. As a packaging data specialist who supports businesses in packaging data collection, analysis, and calculation for extended producer responsibility regulations, we understand that data quality will prove pivotal for manufacturers and importers.
“That’s why, as a next step forward from our plastic tax calculator, we have designed this data collection template to help businesses get started with their data collection journey.”
The DCV tool allows users to get to grips with the data requirements that will determine their PPT liability. Businesses can map the data they currently have onto the tool. This process provides a useful framework for collating data while highlighting any potential gaps. If data is missing, users can act on this early and put the processes in place to capture that data in time for the first reporting deadline of 29th July.
Separated into sections for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging, the tool is designed to collect the detailed data required from both internal sources within your business or from your supply chain.
To learn more about how the ecoveritas suite of tools can meet all your compliance needs and to request a copy of the DCV tool, get in touch by emailing info@ecoveritas.co.uk.