UK
What’s the Story?
The United Kingdom is planning to adopt a countrywide rule which would ban the sale or distribute single-use plastic straws. The ban is thought to begin sometime between October 2019 and October 2020.
The UK has already seen much success with a ban on microbeads and a tax on plastic bags. This plastic straw ban would join these restriction, all as part of the UK’s 25 Year Environmental Plan.
How Would the Ban Affect Me?
Any business that sells or distributes straws would be obligated to comply with the ban. If you currently supply straws that are made of a sustainable alternative—like wheat (HAY! Straws), stainless steel, paper, or bamboo—then you’re good to go: you don’t need to change anything. However, if you currently supply single-use plastic straws, you’ll be required to phase them out.
The UK government conducted a consultation on the proposed ban that ended in December, and the results of that study will help define next steps for implementing this ban.
How Can I Stay Compliant?
Under the new law, you would be required to switch to a reusable or compostable alternative to plastic straws. HAY! Straws® are among the most natural and affordable alternatives that offer an experience similar to single-use plastic. You would also be able to keep a small amount of plastic straws in stock, to provide upon request of the customer.
Why Are HAY! Straws® a Great Choice?
Help Us Keep This List up to Date!
Are we missing something on this page? Let us know if you’ve heard of a new city or town in the UK that’s adopted a plastic straw ban, and we’ll add it to the list.
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