The Government is committed to eliminating avoidable plastic waste by 2042 and is consulting on new policy proposals to ban commonly littered single-use plastic items and explore further policy measures on problematic plastic items.

Defra is seeking industry's feedback on proposals to ban the supply of the following SUP items: plates, cutlery, balloon, sticks, expanded and extruded polystyrene food and drink containers.

Defra has also simultaneously launched a call for evidence to help gather evidence on other problematic plastic items and help inform future policymaking. Defra is particularly interested in wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets, and other single-use plastic cups, and wishes to explore whether the Government needs to take additional action to reduce their use and tackle the problems caused by their incorrect disposal. Such action may include proposals for a ban, charges and mandatory labelling on packaging.

Proposals in both, consultation and call for evidence, would apply in England only.

The deadline for submission is 12th February 2022.

BRC's draft responses are available below and we invite members to share their views and comments by 3rd February with nadiya.catel-arutyunova@brc.org.uk