In 2018 the Government announced its intention to introduce a plastic tax in 2022 with the aim of discouraging the creation of plastic packaging, therefore reducing the amount of plastic waste produced. According to research by waste management company Viridor, only 46% of plastic packaging is currently recycled against a target of 75%. Since the release of Blue Planet 2, pressure has grown from the public and MPs to cut down on single-use plastic. By April 2020, new controls on plastics items will be implemented with restrictions on the sale of plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds. With the success of the plastic bag tax, introduced in 2015, what more can be done to reduce plastic waste?

This dinner discussion will:

• Discuss how new regulations on plastic packaging could affect producers
• Explore the UK’s Plastic Pact and aim to create a circular economy

• Analyse the Government’s 25-year environment plan and target to eliminate avoidable plastic waste by 2042