Fentimans, a historic soft drink maker, voices concern over a proposed glass tax that could threaten its existence after 120 years.
- The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) plans to impose a £300 per tonne recycling cost on glass, part of an ‘extended producer responsibility’ initiative.
- Brewers and soft drinks manufacturers are protesting the tax, highlighting the financial strain it could place on their businesses.
- Trade bodies underscore the brewing sector’s contributions to the economy and call for government reconsideration of the tax.
- British Glass warns of significant job losses and requests a delay in the tax’s implementation, pointing out disparities with other materials.
The proposed glass tax aims to augment recycling responsibilities of producers, adding an estimated £300 per tonne to costs. Ian Bray, CEO of Fentimans, criticised the policy, fearing it might end the company’s 120-year legacy of providing quality soft drinks due to its inequitable nature.
The introduction of this tax has been met with considerable opposition from brewers and other beverage manufacturers, who argue that the additional financial burden could be detrimental. Trade associations, including the British Beer and Pub Association, have formally appealed to Environment Secretary Steve Reed to reassess the strategy.
Emma McClarkin, leading the British Beer and Pub Association, emphasised that while the precise costs bring much-needed clarity, they confirm brewers’ fears of significant financial impact starting next year. She highlighted the sector’s substantial role in the economy and its commitment to low-strength beverage options as aligned with public health ambitions.
Paul Davies of Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company voiced the industry’s dedication to sustainability but warned that the new financial pressures could undermine these goals. He advocated for collaborative discussions with the government to align extended producer responsibility with sustainability goals, whilst preserving national beer culture.
British Glass has raised concerns regarding potential job losses within the industry if the tax proceeds as scheduled. They highlight that materials such as plastic and aluminium benefit from a two-year delay before similar fiscal policies apply, creating industry tensions. A Defra spokesperson defended the measures as essential steps toward a circular economy but acknowledged ongoing dialogue with the glass sector to refine implementation strategies.
The proposed glass tax sparks significant concern across related industries, with key stakeholders urging the government to reevaluate its implications.
