Plastic Packaging Tax is charged at £223.69 per tonne (April 2025)

Plastic Packaging Tax

Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) is a UK governmental legislation designed to reduce single-use virgin plastic packaging and increase the use of recycled plastic packaging.

Packaging made from at least 30% recycled plastic is PPT exempt. We have a wide range of recycled plastic products here.

The tax only applies to plastic packaging manufactured or imported into the UK; this means that goods imported and then exported within a twelve month timescale may be eligible for a credit from HMRC.

Invopak includes PPT as a separate line on your invoice to help make these costs clear.

Plastic Tax FAQ's

  • What is classed as packaging?

  • Who needs to register for PPT?

  • Will Recycled products be cheaper?

  • Can I use Recycled Plastic Products for Food and Beverages?

  • Is transport packaging exempt?

  • How do I claim back PPT on exported products?

  • How does it affect VAT?

  • Are any plastic products exempt?
Recycled plastic grey bucket and recycled plastic white jerry can on a white background

Switch & Save

Recycled Plastic containers are exempt from PPT and with this in mind, switching to recycled plastic containers could save you money.

For example, PPT tax on a pallet of 500ml white cylindrical bottles is £278.76. By choosing our recycled plastic alternative and not paying PPT you are saving £278.76.

Plastic tax is calculated at checkout. to view how much PPT you will be charged simply add an item to your basket, go to 'view basket' and it will show a breakdown.

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Plastic Tax Exempt Ranges

What are the alternatives?

There are a range of alternatives available including packaging made from PCR (Recycled Plastic), tinplate and aluminium. Please see below to explore alternatives.

Switch & Save

Recycled Plastic Containers

Recycled plastic containers are also known as Post Consumer Resin (PCR). PCR is also called post consumer recycled, post consumer regrind or post consumer recyclate, they all refer to products that contain recycled plastic. PCR products that include 30% or higher levels of recycled plastic are not liable for PPT.

For the container to maintain its integrity & performance, it has to have the right blend of PCR and virgin material, which is why the threshold is 30%. At Invopak we are increasing our PCR range as more products come to market, including a new PCR bucket range, as well as a wider variety of Jerry cans and HDPE bottles.

As recycled plastic containers as exempt from Plastic Packaging Tax, you can save money by switching. Click here to find out more.

View Recycled Plastic Containers

Metal Recycles Forever

Metal Packaging

Metal packaging is also plastic packaging tax exemption, so aluminium bottles, lever lid tins and metal pails are unaffected. Even if a metal container includes plastic parts, as long as plastic is not the heaviest component plastic packaging tax will not apply, so a metal bottle with a plastic shroud is not liable for the PPT charge.

We are one of the biggest suppliers of metal packaging in the UK and they are one of our fastest growing ranges. Metal can also be recycled forever, making it an excellent choice for the environment.

See our full selection of metal containers here.

View Metal Containers

An introduction to Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)

Product information sheets

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Need help?

Feel free to reach out to the team with any questions you have at sales@invopak.co.uk or by calling 0161 366 4451