WRAP recommends 8 new plastic packaging items for elimination

When the Pact launched in 2018, eight plastic items were prioritised for elimination. This initial list helped members get ahead of regulatory bans and led to the removal of billions of problematic plastic items from sale or distribution.

UK Plastics Pact members represent two-thirds of all consumer plastic packaging used in the UK.

The eight new problem plastics set for elimination should support Simpler Recycling reforms in England by phasing out materials that cannot be recycled or disrupt recycling processes.

These items should be removed by the end of 2025:

• Non-NIR detectable plastics e.g. non detectable black plastic
• Silicone components
• Flexible non-compatible multi-material plastic packaging should be moved to mono-material polyolefins for: crisp packets, pet food, chocolate, sweets, snack bars, cakes and biscuit wrappers, pouches for cereals, nuts and seeds, liquid dishwasher and laundry tabs, grated cheese, dry pasta, rice and grain
• Natural and clear PET trays with PE liners
• Wet wipes with plastic content
• Disposable vape

And these items should be removed by the end of 2027:

• Flexible non-compatible multi-material plastic packaging should be moved to mono-material polyolefins for: block cheese, cooked meat, long life and bake at home bread, tea and coffee, microwaveable pouches for baby food, pasta, rice and grains
• Packaging with glass or metal components