UK plastic tax revision drives Tiptree’s switch to Amcor’s certified 30% PCR films

UK – Wilkin & Sons’ Tiptree brand is switching to certified 30% post-consumer recycled shrink and stretch films from Amcor, as the preserves maker prepares for the UK Plastic Packaging Tax revision that will exclude post-industrial recycled material from the 30% threshold from April 2027.

The shift applies to Amcor’s collation shrink film and Bontite Sustane stretch wrap, with both products now carrying independently verified PCR content. 

Under the revised UK PPT rules taking effect in April 2027, only post-consumer recycled material will count toward the 30% minimum requirement, meaning post-industrial recycled content will no longer qualify. 

Production of the certified films takes place at Amcor’s Leominster and Bromborough facilities in the UK, with both products holding RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification under EN15343. 

Technical Challenges and Performance Requirements

Incorporating PCR into shrink and stretch films presents technical challenges, as maintaining strength, consistency and efficiency requires careful formulation to ensure the films preserve packaging integrity, support load stability and meet cost considerations. 

Unlike rigid packaging, where PCR incorporation has become more established, flexible films require precise engineering to maintain the balance of strength, clarity, sealability and processing speed that converters and brand owners depend on. 

Amcor sales director Gabrielle Ditsch noted that customers are increasingly looking beyond recycled content percentages and asking where material comes from, how it is verified and how it performs in practice, which is why certification, traceability and product performance all matter.

Sustainability Reporting and Certification Value

Tiptree chose the two film products because the PCR content is independently certified, assisting with sustainability reporting and providing assurance that the recycled material can be traced through monitored manufacturing processes. 

Amcor’s focus has been on delivering solutions that maintain the strength, consistency and efficiency customers expect while helping them meet evolving regulatory requirements. 

By combining independently certified PCR content with high-performing film technologies, Amcor aims to support packaging efficiency, product protection and total cost of ownership as brand owners navigate the shifting landscape of plastic packaging regulations.

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