Avoid the UK Plastic Packaging Tax by Embracing PCR

As plastic moulders and brand owners embrace circularity principles, the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics continues to grow. A key driver behind this shift is the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), introduced in April 2022. The tax, initially set at £200 per tonne, applies to plastic packaging containing less than 30% PCR content. This tax incentivises the use of recycled plastics, promoting material circularity and supporting the recycling industry. April 2025 sees the PPT rate rise to £223.69 per tonne.

The benefits and challenges of using PCR
Using recycled plastics offers significant environmental benefits. It reduces plastic waste and reliance on virgin polymers. It can also lower a product’s carbon footprint, as recycled materials are typically less carbon-intensive to produce. However, challenges include difficulties in achieving desired colours and special effects and in maintaining colour consistency. Recycled plastics have residual hues and batch-to-batch variations, making colour consistency harder to control, especially for bright or translucent colours.

On-Site colour matching
Broadway, a trusted UK masterbatch manufacturer, offers solutions to help brands and moulders incorporate more PCR into their packaging. Broadway’s expertise in colour formulation helps mitigate the aesthetic challenges associated with PCR materials. The traditional colour approval process can be lengthy, but Broadway’s on-site colour matching service allows brand owners to review and approve colour plaques on-site, as they’re made.

Colourist and Technical Advisor Ben Wilson explains:
"When colouring PCR, it's vital that the sample is made from the same PCR material that will be used in production. Variations in PCR content often require adjustments to masterbatch formulations to counteract colour shifts caused by the base polymer. Our on-site service shows customers firsthand how PCR loadings affect colour, enabling informed decisions about balancing sustainability with aesthetics. We’ve provided many brand owners with valuable insights into colouring PCR while enabling them to approve several new colours in just a few hours. They leave with confidence, having directly overseen the process.”

Ben Wilson, Colourist and Technical advisor at Broadway

Broadway’s other solutions for PCR

Odour neutraliser – PCR materials may carry unpleasant odours, but Broadway offers odour-neutralising additives that can be added to colour formulations to reduce unwanted smells.
 

PCR carrier masterbatch – For brands claiming "Made from 100% recycled plastic," it’s important to ensure both their base polymer and masterbatch carrier resin are recycled. Adding a virgin carrier resin can introduce up to 4% virgin plastic into the final product. Broadway’s PCR carrier masterbatches ensure the final component contains no virgin polymer.
 

Tint shift – Natural PCR mouldings often have a ‘muddy’ tint. Adding a subtle tint masterbatch can improve the visual appeal by shifting the colour towards a greener or bluer hue.
 

Fibre effects and bio-fillers – Some brands note that the addition of PCR material doesn’t alter the appearance of their product enough. These solutions can be used to differentiate product lines containing PCR – offering consumers a clear visual cue to the inclusion of recycled materials.

Broadway’s expertise in PCR colouring is trusted by multinational consumer goods companies and plastic moulders across the UK and Europe. They help businesses achieve both aesthetic excellence and environmental responsibility. For expert advice on colouring PCR or a FREE custom colour match, contact Broadway today.

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