Scotland cracks down on single-use plastics
What does Scotland’s single-use plastics ban mean for your food business?

Scotland’s move to a circular economy will be a step closer from 1st  June 2022 when a ban on single-use plastics will be introduced. A reduction in single-use packaging is backed by almost 80% of Scottish consumers, who are concerned about the volume of plastic packaging. (Zero Waste Scotland).

What do these new regulations on single-use plastics mean for your foodservice or catering business?

Time is running out if you need to prepare, so read on to find out more.

Click here to browse our pick of alternative plastic-free products. 

Which single-use plastics are included in the ban? 

The new regulations will make it  unlawful to make and supply commercially any of the following single-use plastics:

• Single-use plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks and other similar utensils) and stirrers
• Single-use plastic plates
• Single-use food containers made of expanded polystyrene
• Single-use cups made of expanded polystyrene, including their covers and lids. 

The regulations will also make it unlawful to supply commercially single-use plastic straws and single-use plastic balloon sticks. 

Exemptions to the ban

However, there are exemptions on plastic straws and balloon sticks in specific circumstances, mainly for medical reasons.

Those who use single-use plastic straws for medical reasons or to drink independently will still be able to access them. They will be available to purchase via pharmacies and given on request at hospitality venues. These items can also be purchased by hospitals, care homes, schools, early learning/childcare premises and prisons and supplied to those who require them within those institutions. 

Balloon sticks can be used for industrial or professional purposes as long as they are not distributed to customers. You can get more details about the exemptions here.

What about the rest of the UK?

The UK government is consulting on banning single-use plates, cutlery and polystyrene food packaging for England, but no target date has been given. Scotland is calling for UK-wide measures on single-use plastics to ensure they can enforce their policies. The Welsh government has already delayed their plans to ban single-use plastics because of the issues with internal market trading with England.

What should Scottish food-service businesses do now?

In advance of the fast-approaching 1st June deadline, it is important to get your replacement strategy in place. Have you stopped ordering any single-use plastic packaging? Which plastic-free products are you going to replace any single-use plastic with?

What plastic-free alternatives are available?

Planglow is here to help with a wide range of plastic-free cups and lids, takeaway containers, straws and cutlery. You can shop all of our top swaps here. Partnering with us is an easy way to get in line with the new regulations and respond to customer demand for the convenience of food-to-go - that’s also more sustainable.

Compostable, plant-based cups and lids

Available in 8oz, 12oz and 16oz sizes, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of plastic-free compostable takeaway cups. Choose from a kraft-finish Natural, slate-look Gastro and colourful Botanical, which are suitable for both hot and cold drinks. 

The plastic-free cups are lined with a food-safe, corn starch derived coating and are EN13432 certified which means that they will break down in an industrial composting environment (where facilitated).

In terms of lids, we offer two options standard lids (which may be recycled along with other plastics) compostable bio lids, which will break down in an industrial composting environment. 

Alternatives to Single-use Containers

Plant-based, our sturdy takeaway packaging is perfectly designed to protect your hot and cold food offering from burgers to burritos. Available in a range of colours, sizes and shapes, the choice is yours and no single-use plastics in sight. 

Alternatives to single-use cutlery and straws

Finally, we have you covered with plant-based cutlery, bamboo stirrers and natural paper straws. Swap your plastic cutlery for plant-based knives, forks and spoons, while our paper straws stay strong until the last sip. 

What’s next?

Explore our shop to find the single-use plastic alternatives you need and request a sample pack today.