Some of the UK’s largest food and drink brands have committed to transform the country’s plastic packaging system by 2025, signing up to a world-first pact launched today by sustainability experts WRAP.
Tesco, Asda and Coca Cola are among the signatories to the UK Plastics Pact, joining a total of 42 businesses responsible for over 80% of the plastic packaging sold in Britain’s supermarkets.
These companies have set the target of eliminating all problematic or unnecessary single-use plastic packaging through redesign, innovation and alternative delivery models by 2025.
They have also committed to ensure 100% of plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable by that time, with WRAP hoping the initiative will be replicated in other countries to form a “powerful global movement”.
The organisation’s CEO, Marcus Gover, said: “Together, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rethink and reshape the future of plastic so that we retain its value, and curtail the damage plastic waste wreaks on our planet.
“This requires a wholescale transformation of the plastics system and can only be achieved by bringing together all links in the chain under a shared commitment to act.”
An additional 15 organisations have given their support to the pact, which also aims to ensure 30% of plastic packaging includes recycled material, and that 70% is recycled or composted by 2025.
The immediate focus will be on identifying priority projects such as overcoming barriers to increase the amount of recycled content used in new packaging, and the issue of un-recyclable black plastic.
NGOs will join the UK government in support of the pact, with the intention that it will help facilitate a stronger recycling system where people take more responsibility for waste.
Environment secretary, Michael Gove, said: “Our ambition to eliminate avoidable plastic waste will only be realised if government, businesses and the public work together.
“I am delighted to see so many businesses sign up to this pact and I hope others will soon follow suit.”
Image credit: iStock
