The plastic bag charge is a standout example of how a simple legal intervention can spark lasting behaviour change. Since its introduction in 2015, the tax has been a resounding success in reducing the number of plastic carrier bags used in the UK.
According to government statistics, single-use plastic bag consumption has plummeted by more than 98% at major national retailers. The average person in England now buys just two plastic bags a year – down from a staggering 140. That’s a remarkable difference and demonstrates how effective policies can deliver powerful results.
Sparking a widespread cultural shift
The early grumbles over the 5p (turned 10p) fee have long faded, replaced by a widespread cultural shift. Today, reusable bags are the norm, and the once-ubiquitous rustle of plastic at the checkout has become a rare sound. Instead of single-use plastic, think trusty Bags for Life and trendy canvas totes.
Ten years ago, the charge only applied to businesses with more than 250 employees, then in 2021, the governmented updated the law to apply to all businesses, no matter their size. Supermarkets, high-street retailers and large department stores have embraced the switch, and as a result, we’ve witnessed a dramatic decline in the use of plastic bags across UK retail.
While legislation is often seen as slow to catch-up with evolving social and technological developments – think AI regulation – in some cases, it leads the way. Much like the 2007 smoking ban, the plastic bag charge redefined what’s socially acceptable almost overnight.
Moving towards a sustainable future
By and large, consumers want to shop more sustainably, and regulation like this provides the nudge to help them do so. It is also a useful signal for industry; by setting clear legal rules and regulatory frameworks, the introduction of the plastic bag charge has given businesses certainty, enabling them to plan and invest in product re-design.
Its ripple effects are still being felt. The tax has paved the way for broader reforms in the UK packaging landscape, including the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), which targets packaging with less than 30% recycled content, the recently introduced Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging, and the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme for single-use drink containers. Each of these initiatives borrows from the plastic bag charge playbook, building on a sense of shared responsibility between government, business and the public.
Why it’s a policy win worth celebrating
A decade on, the plastic bag charge deserves recognition as a legal success story. It drove major change with minimal disruption and is a policy win worth celebrating. The impact of the tax is a timely reminder that smart, targeted regulation can do more than respond to problems; it can spark lasting cultural change. When consumers, organisations and policymakers align behind a clear, sustainable goal, the results can be transformative – even if they start with just 5p.
- People & Culture
- Sustainability