A Greener Stadium: Ushering In The Plastic Ban
In October last year, the UK government introduced a single‑use plastic ban for businesses across England and Wales, following Scotland’s ban in 2022.
Attempts to curb plastic pollution are generally supported by businesses and consumers alike. As far back as 2019, 86% of football fans surveyed were in support of single‑use plastics removed where possible, and almost half of Britons surveyed by YouGov stated they feel guilty about the amount of plastic they use.
However, the recent plastic ban has not been received entirely positively by the hospitality sector. Blurred lines and limited information have left many vendors confused about what the rules mean for them, especially when it comes to large venues such as stadiums and event spaces.
What Is Meant By ‘Single‑Use’?
It is important to clarify that, in this case, ‘single‑use’ refers to items that have been designed with the intention not to be re‑used. The ban also extends to polystyrene food and drink containers, and some products which may have been labelled as compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable.
What Items Aren’t Included In The Single‑Use Plastic Ban?
I’ve seen first-hand confusion amongst venue and facilities managers. This is largely due to the ban including several caveats regarding what is, and is not, allowed.
For example, the ban does not apply to single‑use plastic plates, trays, and bowls that are specifically used as packaging for food and beverage items ‘not in their final state’.
This relates to any consumable that requires further preparation before it is consumed. For example, food or drink that needs to be heated, including steps such as adding water, microwaving, and toasting, before it is consumed, can still be supplied in polystyrene containers.
However, food that is ready to consume – a burger, pie and chips, a cup of coffee – now has to be served in a completely plastic‑free container.
While this means saying goodbye to the polystyrene trays often associated with football ground burger vans, there are many sustainable substitutes. These include plastic alternatives such as:
- Paper
- Bagasse - a cardboard‑like material derived from sugarcane
- Palm leaf - a biodegradable material made from fallen leaves of palm trees
Managing Existing Stock
A significant aspect of the single‑use plastic ban is that not only will the ban affect purchasing decisions moving forward, but it also includes existing stock.
If a venue has single‑use plastic items, even if they were purchased before the ban came into effect, these must still be disposed of, otherwise the business risks being fined. This is something the government is keen to enforce, giving customers the power to report venues and businesses in breach of the rules, with local authorities conducting inspections to ensure compliance with the plastic ban regulations.
A Greener Future
It may seem like a daunting change to many venues, but the ban is a significant step forward in the UK's fight against plastic pollution. While there has been some confusion about the rules, especially for large venues such as stadiums and event spaces, it is crucial businesses comply with these regulations.
By switching to reusable or compostable alternatives, venues can not only help to protect the environment but also demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, something that is becoming increasingly important to customers.
