Alternatives for the UK Plastic Ban

What is the UK Plastic Ban?

Since October 2023, there has been a nationwide ban on single-use plastics in the UK. This includes PLA straws and CPLA cutlery. This ban has also been in effect in Scotland and Northern Ireland since 2022. The ban covers online and over-the-counter sales and all types of single-use plastics including compostable, recycled, and biodegradable.

Are there exemptions?

Yes, you can still use single-use plastic bowls, plates, and trays if you are supplying them to another business, they have been pre-filled before purchase, or are filled at the point of sale. For example, filling salad bowls to go into your fridges as part of a meal deal or grab-and-go options. This includes trays and bowls that are filled at food counters for customers to take away with them.

However, there are no exemptions when it comes to cutlery, so you will need use reusable cutlery options or find an alternative disposable cutlery to plastic.

Alternative Products to Comply with the UK Plastic Ban

We have put together a selection of our best single-use plastic alternatives at great prices. Click to download our 'Are You Ready for the Plastic Ban' free guide.

Download Your Free UK Plastics Ban Guide

The climate crisis has become increasingly prevalent in recent decades, and this has resulted in changes in legislation to help us do more for the environment. One significant change to hit the hospitality and catering trade has been a ban on single-use plastics.

Stephensons has a variety of quality alternatives to single-use plastics if you are still searching for the best products for your operations. If you're still uncertain about what types of plastic the UK-wide ban covers, you can see our quick guide below.

	ENGLAND	SCOTLAND	WALES	NORTHERN IRELAND
Oxo-degradable Plastic	No Ban	No Ban	Banned - Autumn 2023	Ban in force 2022
Polystyrene Lids for Cups & Containers	No Ban	No Ban	Banned - Autumn 2023	No Ban
Expaned Polystyrene Cups & Containers	1st October '23 (including extruded polystyrene)	Ban in force 2022	Banned - Autumn 2023	Ban in force since 2022

Are there exemptions for expanded/extruded polystyrene products?

The only exemption for supplying polystyrene containers in your establishment is if they contain food that requires further preparation before it is consumed. For example, adding water, toasting, or microwaving.

Sign-posting plastic in products

Rules surrounding sign-posting plastic in products differ in the UK to EU legislation.

Since 2021, the European Commission's Single Use Plastic Directive —a.k.a, SUPD— have ruled that any disposable products used and sold in the EU must display a 'Plastic in Product' logo. This isn't just oil-based plastic plastics, but plant-based ones as well.

This is where things can get confusing, and some certified compostable and biodegradable products will still display the 'Plastic in Product' graphic. This is why you should always check with suppliers to find out the details of these products and whether they are plant-based plastics or not.

The rules above apply to those selling and using these products in the EU, but what about the UK?

The 'Plastic in Product' logo is not currently required in England, Scotland, or Wales. However, it is required in Northern Ireland and has been since 2022.

Again, if you want to know whether your disposable products contain plant-based plastics that are compostable and biodegradable, please confirm this with your supplier.

If you want to read more about this legislation and how it might impact your business operations, you can find more information from this press release from Defra and other resources on their gov.uk pages.

If you'd like to learn more about what products we have on offer, contact our sales team on 0161 483 6256 or email sales@stephensons.com.

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