An inquiry has been launched in the UK by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Commit (Efra) into plastic food and drink packaging.

“The Committee is keen to find out what progress has been made in developing and using more environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics and how they perform when compared to plastic food and drink packaging,” said Efra Chair Neil Parish MP.

“It is imperative that we find practical ways to protect the environment and reduce the risks posed by increasing plastic pollution. We also hope to highlight how Government action may help to alleviate this significant threat.”

To ascertain the progress that has been made, the Committee is seeking written submissions addressing the following questions.

What progress have packaging manufacturers, food producers and retailers made in developing and using alternatives to, and reducing consumers’ use of plastic food and drink packaging?
What are the barriers to and opportunities for further innovation?
How do alternatives to plastic perform compared to plastic food and drink packaging?
Are there food and drink products for which it is essential to use plastic, or for which it is more difficult to develop and use alternatives?
What impact will the following two Government proposals have on reducing plastic food and drink packaging?