IOM3 gives evidence at Select Committee hearing on plastic waste
The Chair of the IOM3 Packaging Society, Jude Allan MIMMM, will be representing the Institute at The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee evidence session in its inquiry into plastic waste.
The Committee will hear from retail and packaging sector experts about Government ambitions on plastic waste, and how to reduce the nation’s consumption of plastic. The event will be streamed live at 2:30pm in Committee Room 15 of the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 7 December.
The first panel will be held with experts, campaigners and representatives from the packaging industry of which Jude will be part of along with IOM3 member Kevin Vyse.
IOM3 Colin Church CEnv FIMMM, said, ‘Packaging is a key part of our modern way of life. How it is designed, manufactured, used and disposed of at end of life all can have a big impact on sustainability. IOM3 therefore welcomes the opportunity to share some of the expertise of its members with the Select Committee.’
The Government has set targets on plastic waste, eliminating all ‘avoidable’ plastic waste by 2042 and ‘working towards’ the sale of only recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic by 2025. The Committee is likely to ask whether these goals are appropriate and feasible, and the role packaging design can play in meeting these targets. Witnesses could also be asked to share their views on reforms including consistent kerbside recycling, extended responsibilities for producers, a tax on plastic packaging and bans of single use plastic items.
A second panel will then be held with representatives from the retail sector, discussing the role of retailers in tackling plastic waste. The Committee may ask witnesses for their reaction to the upcoming deposit return scheme, as well as for their insights into customer expectations and behaviours.
Panel one, starting at 14:30:
- Sian Sutherland, Co-founder, campaign group A Plastic Planet
- Jude Allan, Chair, IOM3 Packaging Society
- Kevin Vyse, Head of Technical, packaging manufacturer ProAmpac RAP
Watch the session live at bit.ly/3dg24A1