UK Manufacturers Brace for Trump Tariff on Plastic Packaging Despite New Deals

Trump’s Tariffs: Unexpected Environmental Headache for UK Businesses

When President Trump keeps tightening the screws on global trade, it might look like just another battle over steel and aluminium. But there’s a sneaky side‑effect that many UK companies are overlooking: the risk of breaching the brand‑new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules.

What’s the Deal?

Manchester‑based Ecoveritas warns that the latest tariff tweaks are nudging brands to rethink how they ship products. A prime mover? Coca‑Cola is converting from aluminium cans to plastic because the U.S. slapped a flat fee on iron‑and‑steel imports. Even if you’re just a retailer in the UK, that shift can ripple out to your own waste‑management budget.

EPR 101: The Rules are Coming for Everyone

Any UK business with a turnover above £1 million and handling more than 25 tonnes of packaging each year now owns the cost of recycling those materials.
It’s not just a fee; you also have to keep detailed records and submit regular reports.
These changes were rolled out earlier this year to curb the looming plastic crisis – with global consumption expected to double by 2050 and only 9% of plastic currently being recycled.

According to Andrew McCaffery, chief strategist at Ecoveritas, big names that are reworking supply chains to dodge tariffs may stumble into hefty compliance costs—up to £130 million for the largest retail groups.

Why You Need to Act Fast

McCaffery reminds us that even a tiny misstep can lead to sky‑high over‑payments of hundreds of thousands of pounds. “So, make sure you get the numbers right the first time,” he says.

Opportunity in the Chaos

But it’s not all doom and gloom. “The current scramble gives companies of every size a chance to re‑evaluate their waste strategy and step up sustainability,” McCaffery enthuses. If you’re willing to look beyond the price tag and dive into smarter packaging solutions, you could turn a looming headache into a competitive advantage.

Trim your expense sheet, tighten your compliance plan, and maybe even pick up a reusable bag in the office—small changes can add up in the grand scheme.