Plastic-free Packaging (Fruit and Vegetables) Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Lord Hanson of Flint
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Plastic-free Packaging (Fruit and Vegetables)
Lord Hanson of Flint Excerpts(6 years, 1 month ago)
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Steve Double
I think the one that the hon. Gentleman is holding up is biodegradable. There has been a commitment to use up the current stock of single-use plastic items and replace them with biodegradable ones. That is part of the single-use, plastic-free measures.
David Hanson (in the Chair)
Order. Plastic is not being used to wrap fruit and vegetables at the moment.
Steve Double
I take the point, Mr Hanson.
We must get the message across to retailers—particularly food retailers—that there is growing demand among the public to reduce the amount of plastic used in packaging our food, and particularly the plastic that is used unnecessarily to wrap our fresh fruit and vegetables. Parliament should continue to set an example, but I encourage the Government to take more action. I look forward to the Minister’s comments about the measures the Government can take to encourage responsible behaviour and reduce plastic packaging and plastic waste, which damages our environment.
I am happy to have introduced this debate. I am sure there will be some interesting contributions. There is a clear message from the public, and we must take notice of it.