Single-use plastic plates, cutlery and polystyrene cups are among a host of items that could be banned in England as part of a new public consultation that will be launched in the Autumn.
The aim is that the proposals will lead to businesses using more sustainable alternatives and prevent plastic litter from polluting our landscapes.
The plans for the consultation come after the huge success of the 5p charge on single-use carrier bags, which cut sales in the main supermarkets by 95% since 2015 and was increased to 10p and extended to all retailers in May. The Government has also banned microbeads in rinse-off personal care products and restricted the supply of single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice said:
"We’ve all seen the damage that plastic does to our environment. It is right that we put in place measures that will tackle the plastic carelessly strewn across our parks and green spaces and washed up on beaches.
"We have made progress to turn the tide on plastic, banning the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds, while our carrier bag charge has cut sales by 95% in the main supermarkets.
"Now we are looking to go a step further as we build back greener. These plans will help us stamp out the unnecessary use of plastics that wreak havoc with our natural environment."
Further details of the consultation, including the full list of single-use items under review, will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
