1 December 2022 Report

The UK Plastics Pact Annual Report 2021-22

Through The UK Plastics Pact we are redesigning the plastics system, working across the entire plastics value chain to reduce its climate impact, by stopping plastic waste, and the harmful emissions of new plastic production, keeping the material in the economy and out of the environment.

We are over halfway to The UK Plastics Pact targets and our 2021-22 annual report gives an honest appraisal of progress and challenges. 

Progress despite turbulent times

Pact members have continued to invest, innovate, and take actions towards the four Pact targets. We are seeing tangible progress in many areas, including: 

  1. 84% reduction in problematic and unnecessary single use plastics since 2018. 
  2. 70% of plastic packaging is recyclable - up from 66% in 2018.
  3. 50% of plastic packaging is recycled - up from 44% in 2018. 
  4. Recycled content levels have risen from 8.5% in 2018 to 22% in 2021.

However, delays to policy measures, combined with an unprecedented and turbulent retail environment in recent years, means we will struggle to meet Targets 2 and 3 of The UK Plastics Pact. Despite this, work continues at pace as we push the boundaries of what voluntary action can achieve in readiness for anticipated policy instruments. 

Progress against the Targets

Progress against the targets

View our showcase of UK Plastics Pact member highlights

Discover more

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  • The UK Plastics Pact Annual Report 2021-22.pdf

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