Purpose of the session
Held across two panels, MPs will use the session to continue its scrutiny of Government ambitions on plastic waste, and how to reduce the nation’s reliance on plastic.
The first panel will be held with experts, campaigners and representatives from the packaging industry. The Government has set targets on plastic waste, eliminating all “avoidable” plastic waste by 2042 and “working towards” the sale of only recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic by 2025. The Committee is likely to ask whether these goals are appropriate and feasible, and the role packaging design can play in meeting these targets. Witnesses could also be asked to share their views on reforms including consistent kerbside recycling, extended responsibilities for producers, a tax on plastic packaging and bans of single use plastic items.
A second panel will then be held with representatives from the retail sector, discussing the role of retailers in tackling plastic waste. The Committee may ask witnesses for their reaction to the upcoming deposit return scheme, as well as for their insights into customer expectations and behaviours.
Witnesses
Panel 1, at 2:30 pm
- Sian Sutherland, Co-founder, campaign group A Plastic Planet
- Jude Allan, Chair, packaging professional body IOM3 Packaging Society
- Kevin Vyse, Head of Technical, packaging manufacturer ProAmpac RAP
Panel 2, at 3:30 pm
- Andrew Opie, Sustainability and Food Director, British Retail Consortium
- Steven Butts, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd.
- Hellen Stirling-Baker, Founder of children’s retailer Small Stuff, and Lead Board Member for Sustainability, British Independent Retailers Association