(qlmbusinessnews.com Fri, 29th Sept, 2023) London, UK —
England's Single-Use Plastic Ban Leaves Some Firms Unaware.
Several firms have confessed that they were unaware of an upcoming ban in England on single-use plastic cutlery, plates, and polystyrene trays, which is set to come into force on Sunday.
The ban, however, does not extend to plastic containers and trays used in takeaways or for pre-packaged food in shops.
Environmental campaigners have criticized the government's approach, describing it as “piecemeal” and arguing that the new rules don't go far enough in addressing plastic pollution.
The government, on the other hand, sees this as the “next big step” in its goal to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042. Plastic pollution poses significant environmental challenges, taking hundreds of years to break down, harming waterways, and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Starting from October 1st, 2023, shops, takeaways, food vendors, and other hospitality businesses will no longer be able to sell single-use plastic cutlery, balloon sticks, polystyrene cups, or food containers. This follows a similar ban in 2022 on single-use straws, stirrers, and plastic-containing cotton buds.
However, a significant exemption to the new rules allows takeaways to continue using plastic containers, trays, and wrap. Retailers can also use plastic plates, bowls, and trays for pre-packaged food such as pre-filled salad bowls and ready meals. These items are classified as “packaging” and will be addressed under separate regulations designed to shift the responsibility for dealing with packaging waste from local authorities to packaging producers.
Anna Diski, a plastics campaigner for Greenpeace UK, criticized the government's approach, saying that “token bans on a few single-use plastic items every few years” are inadequate to tackle the plastic pollution problem. She argued that a more comprehensive strategy to reduce plastic production is needed.
Some businesses have admitted to being unaware of the new rules. Takeaway owner Herdy Ibrahim in Leeds stated that he hadn't heard anything about the ban, and nearby businesses were still stocked with the soon-to-be-banned packaging.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), acknowledged that not all takeaways and restaurants were aware of the new rules, despite efforts by industry groups to inform their members.
Businesses that continue to supply banned single-use plastics after October 1st could face fines, and local authorities will conduct inspections to enforce compliance.
Despite these challenges, there is public support for reducing plastic waste. A survey by takeaway delivery platform Just Eat found that 70% of people believe the government should do more to reduce plastic use, and 73% would support a ban on plastic takeaway boxes.
Just Eat urged the government to make sustainable packaging alternatives more accessible and affordable for businesses and consumers. However, it also highlighted the need for consumer education on how to dispose of compostable packaging properly, as not all composting facilities can handle them.
While most plastic products can be recycled, polystyrene poses recycling challenges. Impact Recycling's Chief Operations Officer, David Mahoney, explained that certain polystyrene items are difficult to recycle efficiently, leading to their disposal in landfills rather than recycling facilities.
This News Story is brought to you by QLM Business News, your Digital Media Channel
Visit QLM businessnews.com
For more business news stories also follow us on Facebook, X and Youtube.
To Help qlm business news bring you more new stories like this, please like, share and subscribe.
