Model: Boohoo Workforce warns providers after HMRC fee over polybag content material

// Boohoo letter to suppliers warns that they will have to pay non-compliance costs in future

// Fast fashion retailer says those who choose to supply own bags must provide correct details

Online fast fashion giant Boohoo has been charged by HMRC for some polybags without certificates to prove their recycled content, Drapers has reported.

In a letter sent to product suppliers on 26 August, Boohoo Group said this charge will be passed on to suppliers if they do not provide full information.

Boohoo is requiring the polybag supplier name and contact details, including a monthly report, certification of recycled content – either Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Standard Global Services (SGS) certification – and confirmation of the percentage of recycled content (over 50% minimum).

Back in April, the UK introduced the Plastic Packaging Tax, meaning that any plastics manufactured in or imported into the UK are subject to the tax, unless evidence is provided to show that the plastics contain at least 30% certified recycled material.

Boohoo is currently facing an investigation by the CMA over greenwashing and wrote to its product suppliers on 1 April, asking those who choose to source polybags locally to ensure that they comply with the requirements detailed above.

READ MORE: Asos, Boohoo and Asda investigated by CMA over ‘greenwashing’ 

A Boohoo Group spokeswoman told Drapers: “In preparation for the new policy which came into effect April around Plastic Packaging Tax, our labelling and packaging team sourced a nominated global supplier who produces 100% certified recycled material and recyclable packaging, which complies with both our ambition and the new guidance.

“We communicated all of this to our suppliers but provided them with an option of continuing to use their own suppliers, as long as they could certify that the polybags they use were at least 50% recycled material, made from LDPE (low density polyethylene) only and a number of other standards.”

She said of future strategy: “To support them in managing this change we have covered the cost of any HMRC charge so far, but to ensure that our suppliers are complying with our UpFront goal: By 2023 all customer garment packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable and any plastic used will contain over 50% recycled content, we have been clear that this will become the responsibility of suppliers in the near future.”

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