Packaging firm DS Smith has urged the next UK government to adopt tighter rules on plastics, saying it is “not enough to have a few windmills in the sea”, if the UK wanted to propel a greener economy.
CEO Miles Smith has called on more changes to be made to the UK packaging market, warning that the UK is in danger of falling behind other countries.
The plea comes after DS Smith reached its target to replace more than 1bn pieces of plastic, months ahead of its expected timeframe.
The FTSE 100 firms work with the likes of Tesco and Coca-Cola to devise greener alternatives to plastic tubs, pots and boxes.
In comments reported by the Guardian, Smith said “It is important to note that if our customers – the biggest [grocery] brands – are to remove plastics at scale and at pace, they need the right regulatory framework around them.
“What we need are stronger, harmonised, global regulations that level the playing field, to help businesses move away from plastic.”
Subscribe to Sustainability Beat for free
Sign up here to get the latest sustainability news sent straight to your inbox everyday
“If a new government wants more of a green economy then recyclability is part of that. It is not enough to have a few windmills in the sea – not just green energy, but green consumption and clearing up our messes.”
Roberts has called for UK plans to charge packaging users for the reprocessing of waste and to simplify recycling by local authorities to be revived.
Recently, the government announced plans for households in England to be able to dispose of all their recyclables in one bin, according to plans aimed at boosting recycling rates.
Smith added: “I would like to see a clearer regulatory framework if we are going to deal with these challenges. Why not use systems that are already working in other countries?”
DS Smith is set to be taken over by US rival International Paper, after the companies agreed a £5.8bn all-share deal.
