Designing for the Planet: Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July: A Global Movement for Local Impact

Every July, millions of individuals and businesses around the world take part in Plastic Free July, a global movement that challenges us to reduce single-use plastics for the entire month and ideally beyond. It’s not just about skipping plastic straws or bags; it’s about rethinking how we produce, consume, and dispose of materials across all areas of life and work.

At Winter & Simpson Print, we’re proud to support Plastic Free July, helping businesses take their next step away from plastic packaging. Whether it’s replacing plastic wraps with recyclable cartons, switching to biodegradable labels, or redesigning packaging to use more efficient, paper-based alternatives, we’re here to guide and supply the solutions that make a real difference.

Plastic Free July is the perfect opportunity to explore how small changes can create lasting impact. And we’re making it easier than ever to get started.

Environmental Benefits

We all want to do our bit to help the environment, and sustainable packaging might just be the next step your company needs to fulfil its sustainability commitments. More than 64,000 tonnes of plastic packaging from households end up in landfill every year and take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to break down!

Unlike plastic, our sustainable packaging uses recycled, recyclable, and biodegradable materials that break down naturally over a short time. This switch to paper and card stocks helps conserve natural resources by lowering the demand for raw materials such as fossil fuels.

Eco-friendly packaging also supports cleaner production practices. At Winter & Simpson Print, our commitment to minimising environmental harm is evident in our FSC® and ISO 14001 certifications. We use vegetable-based inks and water-based adhesives, which release fewer harmful chemicals into the environment compared to oil-based alternatives. By working with a local, Scotland-based supplier to optimise packaging design and production, businesses can reduce material usage, shipping times, and weights, resulting in lower energy consumption throughout the supply chain.

Ultimately, sustainable packaging is a key element in building a circular economy, one where materials are kept in use longer, waste is minimised, and environmental footprints shrink. Embracing eco-friendly packaging is a powerful step towards a greener future.

Economic Advantages

While the environmental benefits of sustainable packaging are clear, there are also strong economic and strategic reasons to make the change. Paper-based packaging opens the door to UK Government incentives that support sustainable practices.

• Avoiding the Plastic Packaging Tax

Introduced in 2022, the Plastic Packaging Tax applies to plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled content. Paper-based packaging is exempt, offering a clear financial incentive to make the switch.

• R&D Tax Credits for Sustainable Innovation

Businesses investing in new or improved paper packaging designs may be eligible for Research and Development Tax Credits, which can reduce corporation tax or result in a cash payment.

• Environmental Investment Relief

The Environmental Investment Relief scheme offers tax relief on certain sustainability investments,  from energy-efficient machinery to greener processes.

Brand Image

8 in 10 UK consumers are willing to pay more for products with sustainable packaging. Choosing eco-friendly materials isn’t just good for the planet, it’s a smart branding move. It tells your audience you care, builds trust, and differentiates you in a crowded market. In short, sustainability sells.

Taking Your First Steps Towards Sustainable Packaging

Redesigning and refining your packaging can feel overwhelming, even for established brands. But you’re not alone and the best time to start is now.

Here’s how to begin:

• Conduct a Packaging Audit

Review what you’re using and where the biggest waste occurs.

• Define Your Sustainability Goals

Whether it’s reducing plastic or lowering emissions, clear goals guide better decisions.

• Explore Eco-Friendly Materials

Talk to your print supplier (that’s us!) about paperboard alternatives, biodegradable liners and labels.

• Consider the Full Lifecycle

Think about storage, shipping, usage, and disposal, every step matters.

• Test, Refine, Repeat

Trial your new design with a smaller run. Gather feedback. Adjust. Repeat.

• Communicate the Change

Tell your customers what you’re doing and why, through packaging messages, web copy, or social media. Transparency builds brand loyalty.

Ready to Go Plastic-Free?

Plastic Free July is more than a campaign, it’s a catalyst for positive change. If your business is ready to ditch plastic and step into a more sustainable future, now’s the perfect time. To find out more about Plastic Free July visit www.plasticfreejuly.org.

At Winter & Simpson Print, we’re here to make that journey simpler, smarter, and more impactful. From expert advice to beautiful, effective paper-based packaging, we’ll help you make the switch with confidence, and make it last beyond July.

Let’s create packaging that looks great, performs beautifully, and leaves a lighter footprint on the planet.