Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
In a first for the industry, Travis Perkins has introduced a new bulk bag which has a minimum 30% recycled content, ahead of the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax on April 1.
Bulk bags, which are used to deliver aggregates by Travis Perkins to builders on construction projects and sites across the UK, will be subject to the new levy. The tax means any business that manufactures or imports 10 tonnes or more of plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic will be taxed at £200 a tonne.
This move follows the publication of the company’s decarbonisation roadmap to achieve the Group’s SBTi approved carbon targets by 2035. In a year Travis Perkins estimates it will save in excess of 350 tonnes of virgin grade material from being used by making these changes to the bag. Travis Perkins has been working closely with one of their key suppliers, Centurion Industrial Packaging since April 2021, to develop a bulk bag that reduces the level of virgin grade materials.
The bags have passed both international independent safety standard tests, as well as Travis Perkins’ own rigorous internal testing processes. The bulk bags will be sold under Travis Perkins’ own label and are now available at the nearest Travis Perkins branch or for order on its website.
John Duffy, senior category manager for aggregates and blocks from Travis Perkins, said: “With the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax, there’s a clear incentive for everyone to switch to recycled plastic. Allied with our ambition to become a net-zero carbon partner to the industry, there isn’t a better time to introduce this bulk bag to our customers. This move will not only prevent unnecessary waste but also reduce plastic pollution. By offering this solution we believe we can help the industry make changes that together will add up to a big difference for our environment.”
