From 1st October 2023, the UK government issued a series of bans and restrictions on a number of single-use plastic items.
Which single-use plastic items are now banned?
- Cutlery
- Balloon sticks
- Polystyrene cups
- Polystyrene food containers
These items can now no longer be sold in England, and the supply of single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls have also been restricted.
Why has this been put in place?
This recent ban is part of the Government’s wider world-leading action to tackle the vast amount of plastic pollution and eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042.
Government research suggest that in England alone, a massive 2.7 billion items (most of which are plastic single-use cutlery) and 721 million single-use plates are used every year. Of which, only 10% are recycled.
The average person uses 37 single-use pieces of cutlery and 18 single-use plastic plates every year.
If you can imagine 2.7 billion pieces of cutlery lined up, they would circle the world more than eight-and-a-half times.
The Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “This new ban is the next big step in our mission to crack down on harmful plastic waste. It will protect the environment and help to cut litter – stopping plastic pollution dirtying our streets and threatening our wildlife.”
You can read the full guidance from the UK Government here.
Other single-use plastic items which are already banned:
- Straws
- Cotton Buds
- Carrier Bags
A Marketing Opportunity
For those in the hospitality, retail, leisure and event industries, this means you will need to stop using single-use plastic items as listed above, if you haven’t already. This may cause an issue for you, if you rely on these types of items. Especially if you have a high turnover and source them at a cost effective price point.
But, fear not, there are eco-friendly and reusable alternatives available to you. Although the costs may increase, you can see it as a marketing opportunity. You could simply upgrade to reusable versions of the above, But, by using reusable items, which include your branding, you are not only helping to protect the planet, but will also be promoting your business and brand too.
Promotional Alternatives
1. Reusable Cutlery
Switch single-use plastic cutlery with reusable, recycled and recyclable cutlery sets with your logo on them.
The rHIPS.b lunchmate cutlery set as shown below, is made from a new proprietary plastic which is 100% recycled, biodegradable and compostable.
What’s more, it is made in the UK, meaning there is no CO2 from air miles.
The plastic travel case contains a knife, folk and spoon and the casing can be printed in full colour with your brand message on.
If you wanting a Stainless Steel set of promotional cutlery, the Mepal Set could be of interest, including a knife, folk and spoon enclosed in a neat, brandable plastic case.
2. Balloon Sticks
Brand new to the promotional industry are these BalloonGrip® Balloon Holders.
It’s a responsibly sourced cardboard balloon holder, which is fully recyclable.
It offers the same functionality as the traditional plastic sticks widely used to secure balloons at events, and it features a large branding area too.
3. Reusable Cups
When it comes to reusable cups and mugs that can be branded with your company logo, there is a huge choice of styles, sizes and purposes.
- If you are wanting the cup to be kept by the user, and taken away from your establishment, you may opt for a travel mug with a lid.
- If you have a vending machine, there are even mugs designed to fit – the Universal Vending Cup does exactly that.
- Travel mugs made in the UK, from recycled plastic and that are recyclable will enable you to fully embrace the environmental message.
- Ceramic mugs will be kept for years, with your brand being seen again and again.
Whether you want a ceramic, enamel or recycled plastic cup, you can have any of these printed with your marketing message.
See all our Reusable Cups here.
4. Reusable Food Containers
Another switch you can do is to use reusable food containers like this brandable Stainless steel lunchbox. It features a Bamboo lid and elastic closure band as well as Bamboo knife and fork. A great item to remind your customers of your company each time they take their food into work, or out and about.
See all our branded lunch bags and boxes here.
5. Reusable Straws
Another useful promotional alternative to single-use plastic versions, is reusable straws. The below example is made from certified Bamboo which is sustainable and biodegradable. Your brand can be subtly engraved on the barre of the straw as well as on the bag.
6. Reusable Carrier Bags
Since the single-use carrier bag charge brought in back in 2015, over 7 billion bags have been taken out of circulation.
The alternative is a ‘bag for life’, a reusable bag with your brand logo on. Not only useful for the weekly shop, these brandable carrier bags will get your brand seen on multiple occasions by a wide range of people.
There are so many options when it comes to promotional bags:
- Printed Jute bags are the go-to ‘bag for life’, providing you with the instant eco-friendly style, quality and durability.
- Branded Canvas bags allow for a high impact printed design whilst having the feel of quality, with weights normally starting at 7oz.
- Similarly, Tote bags are a popular choice, with many styles and sizes available.
- If you need express carrier bags, compostable versions can be branded with your logo.
- Of course, there is always promotional Paper bags, perfect for retail, gifts or giveaways.
View all our Branded Shopper Bags here.
Whilst the single-use plastic ban may cause a few headaches for marketers, there are reusable solutions available for you, that can carry your branding. The use of these products will only benefit the environment, but will promote your company for years to come.
For more eco-friendly, reusable alternatives, we have hundreds of ideas for you here. Don’t have time to browse? The team is always on hand to offer you. Contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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