Experts call for government to take initiative on finding solutions to ‘plastics problem’

The recommendations were published on March 18, 2024 in a Policy Commission report, ‘The Sustainable Plastics Policy Commission: Key findings for the UK government’, launched at the Houses of Parliament by Commission Chair, Baroness Molly Meacher.

In a statement, Baroness Meacher said: “Plastics are an important resource that we cannot simply dispense with, but we must address the effects of plastic pollution. Our government is absolutely key to ensuring that we can retain the value of plastics and extend their life through changes to the making and management of these products.”

The report’s recommendations included revalorising plastic ‘waste’ to support green growth and incentivise the emergence of next generation plastics production and recycling technologies.

Experts also found that there is a significant opportunity for the UK to invest in chemical recycling to meet the demand for circular products, generating new job opportunities and keeping plastic in the economy for longer.

Other recommendations included: harnessing tax systems to promote sustainable decisions and create a ‘demand’ pull for sustainable options; setting targets and incentives to reduce waste incineration and landfilling; and ensuring closer regulation of compostable and biodegradable plastics, including stronger oversight of marketing claims.

Experts also suggested encouraging best practices in public sector procurement, including protocols on plastics life cycle assessments; creating incentives for waste management bodies to recirculate plastics; investment in robust evidence on the human and environmental harms caused by plastics; and the establishment of a national sustainable plastics innovation research centre to drive innovation and encourage long-term, ambitious thinking.

Andrew Dove, Professor of Sustainable Polymer Chemistry at Birmingham University, said: “Our report shows where progress is being made: the UK’s plastic packaging tax, introduced in 2022, for example, targets plastic packaging with less than 30 per cent recycled plastic, and the government is due to implement an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme later this year.

“We need to build on this momentum and take advantage of the best examples set by other countries, as well as the research and innovation available across academia and industry.”

Baroness Meacher added: “We must now take steps to implement solutions which enhance our economy, protect our people and environment, and place the UK as leaders in plastics management.”