Action Plan for Plastic

The UK Government recently announced plans to ban single-use plastic cutlery, plates and polystyrene cups in England as part of what it’s calling a “war on plastic”.

A consultation on the policy will be launched this autumn in England while the other nations of the UK have already put plans in place to ban ‘problematic’ single-use plastic items including cutlery following the EU Single Use Plastics Directive. As a result, pressure is now on England to follow suit.

BRITA UK launched a survey to understand where consumers opinions stand on these issues. We found that consumers remain overwhelmingly supportive of a reduction in hospitality’s plastic footprint. In fact, 71% of UK adults agreed single-use plastic plates, cutlery and polystyrene cups should be banned.

Whilst media and political attention often suggests it is the younger generation calling for drastic action to protect the environment, our survey revealed more support for an outright ban on these plastic items amongst the older demographics: while 55% of 18 to 24-year-olds agreed with a ban, this increased to 66% of 25 to 34-year-olds, 67% of 35 to 44-year-olds, 73% of 45 to 54 and ultimately 79% of those aged 55 and above. Similarly, when asked for opinions on charging customers extra for takeaway single-use plastic plates, cutlery and polystyrene cups, 55% of 18–24-year-olds were onboard, which increased to 65% of the 55 and overs.

However, when it comes to encouraging positive behaviour change, it’s the millennials who are most on board. 67% of UK adults agreed that customers should be offered discounts or incentives for bringing their own reusable plates, cutlery and cups with them to hospitality venues. This grew to 77% of 25 to 34-year-olds and 70% of 35 to 44-year-olds.

While there is clearly significant support for a ban on these single-use plastic items, there is still a strong business opportunity around incentivising behaviour change among customers. Some plastic items and products might be going out of fashion but there is always more reuse and refill opportunities for businesses to tap into to help demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, engage customers and keep them coming back for more. For example, offering refill schemes for water or allowing customers to use their own Tupperware for takeaway food is great for the planet and great for business.

An action plan for plastic

The UK Government recently announced plans to ban single-use plastic cutlery, plates and polystyrene cups in England as part of what it’s calling a “war on plastic”.

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