On 18 May 2026, the government published a consultation entitled ‘Plastic Packaging Tax: potential certification for mechanically recycled plastic packaging’. The consultation ran from 18 May 2026 to 10 August 2026 and explored risks and industry concerns around recycled plastic content claims. The consultation received 116 responses from businesses, trade bodies and other stakeholders. A full summary of responses and the government response is available here.

Having considered the consultation responses, the government intends to introduce mandatory certification for mechanically recycled plastic packaging from 1 April 2030.

The government will work with industry to develop detailed certification requirements that are proportionate and minimise unnecessary costs and administrative burdens. Certification and market readiness will be reviewed closer to implementation to ensure capacity and practical arrangements support an orderly transition.

This document explores the risks and industry concerns around recycled plastic content claims and the potential introduction of a mandatory certification requirement for plastic packaging containing mechanically recycled plastic. It seeks views on possible changes to the evidential requirements, the scale and nature of fraudulent claims, the potential impacts on businesses, how a certification requirement could operate and possible timings for implementation.

Sign up for emails or print this page