Today marks a major step towards protecting our planet

The UK Government delayed the ban of single-use drinking straws, stirrers and cotton buds due to Coronavirus disruption and its given impact on supply chains. However, from today the ban comes into force meaning it's illegal in most circumstances for businesses to give out single-use drinking straws, stirrers and cotton buds to customers.

Building a greener future

When it comes to confronting our own wastefulness and the subsequent threat to our planet, nothing has as much impact as the vast amount of single-use plastics we consume – and throw away – every year.

Plastic now accounts for 85% of marine litter and with such items typically taking anywhere between 200 and 500 years to fully break down, it’s not difficult to see why governments around the world are giving this problem top priority. In May 2019, the EU adopted the Single Use Plastics Directive 2019/094. Because this directive was adopted before the end of the current transition period for Britain’s exit from the EU (due to end in January 2021), its provisions are still directly applicable to UK businesses.

What’s more, even though the UK government will be able to amend provisions of the directive at the end of the transition period, it seems unlikely that it will move too far from the provisions of the EU law, given continuing public pressure for governments to take a strong stance on environmental issues.

By mid-2021, there will be a complete ban on plastics for which there are already suitable alternatives – these include plates, cutlery and sticks for balloons. The directive also provides for a sharp reduction in such products as beverage cups and food containers by 2026. In addition, the directive aims to strengthen and complement measures already imposed by other EU legislation for these products. Measures such as market restriction, product design, marking/labelling requirements and awareness-raising are all covered.

Finally, the directive also limits the use of products that have been found to particularly pollute marine environments.

What steps can businesses take to comply with the new legislation, and play their own part in reducing plastic waste?

The food and drink industry provides some good examples of how business is responding to this challenge. A growing number of ‘zero waste’ shops are entering the market and beginning to compete with established brands. Most of the big fast-food chains have moved from Styrofoam containers to cardboard, from plastic straws to paper. Coffee shops are encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cups.

Make no mistake, we will continue to see big changes in this sector, and others like it, not only because of an EU directive but because the customer base demands it, with consumers more conscious than ever about the environmental impact of their purchases.

Is disposable PPE the new villain?

As the global pandemic has taken centre stage, the battle against plastic waste has been side-lined and the surge in PPE has created yet another set of single-use items that have the potential to harm the environment. 

According to a WWF report, even if only 1% of masks are disposed of incorrectly, 10 million masks per month will be released into the natural environment, polluting rivers and oceans. In fact, the RSPCA's Head of Wildlife Adam Grogan explained the charity is increasingly being called out to help animals caught up in PPE. 

An early adopter of corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship, Allwag Promotions is responding creatively to these challenges by sourcing greener alternatives, as well as reducing unnecessary packaging and 'keeping things local' to reduce your products' carbon footprint.

Reducing plastic waste is a massive challenge - and it begins with every one of us.

We have an extensive range of products that are made from sustainable, recycled and greener materials that not only look fabulous while boosting your brand, but also offer alternative solutions to your promotional merchandise needs.

We also now offer branded reusable PPE to help chase out the new villain in town.