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<p>The Government published its Resources and Waste Strategy in December last year
which sets out our plans to reduce plastic pollution.</p><p> </p><p>We have committed
to working towards all plastic packaging placed on the market being recyclable, reusable
or compostable by 2025.</p><p> </p><p>We are currently consulting on reforming existing
packaging waste regulations, introducing a deposit return scheme for drinks containers,
and increasing consistency in the recycling system, which together we expect to drive
major improvements in recycling rates. Industry is also committed to increasing the
recyclability of plastic packaging, including through the world-leading UK Plastics
Pact. We expect these initiatives by industry, combined with our reforms, to work
together to eliminate from use the most problematic and difficult to recycle plastic
packaging.</p><p> </p><p>As the Resources and Waste Strategy makes clear, however,
where progress is insufficient we will explore alternative policy measures, which
may take the form of a ban as part of a wider strategic approach. We have already
consulted on banning the distribution and/or sale of plastic straws, drink stirrers,
and plastic-stemmed cotton buds and will shortly be publishing a summary of responses.
We will continue to review the latest evidence on problematic products and/or materials
to take a systematic approach to reducing the use of unnecessary single-use plastic
products, including problematic packaging materials.</p>
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