Plastic Pollution Reduction Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Baroness Brown of Cambridge
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Plastic Pollution Reduction
Baroness Brown of Cambridge Excerpts(1 day, 8 hours ago)
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Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
I certainly agree that the noble Baroness, Lady Boycott, knows what she is talking about. She has spoken authoritatively and knowledgeably on this for many years. But the noble Baroness is absolutely right to talk about microbeads and microplastics. As I said, we will publish our circular economy growth plan fairly soon. We need to ensure that we tackle the issue of microbeads and microplastics.
Baroness Brown of Cambridge (CB)
My Lords, disused fast food containers contribute significantly to litter and plastic pollution, as we know. Can the Minister review the definition of “natural polymer” used in the plastic packaging tax to accelerate the use of natural polymers beyond cellulose—the only natural polymer defined in the tax—in food packaging, to make it more fully recyclable?
Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
The noble Baroness makes a really good point. One thing that is often confusing about recycling and composting is definitions, what the material does and how it breaks down. She makes extremely good points, and I will take them back to the department.