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MPs have backed calls in Westminster to ramp up Government support for British businesses at the forefront of developing alternative solutions to plastic packaging.
The Parliamentary event was led by the Natural Polymers Group, a coalition of companies working together to promote nature-based solutions to tackle the global plastics crisis.
The group comprises of seven different innovators who develop natural, biodegradable packaging alternatives to single-use plastics, in an effort to tackle the more than 400 million tonnes of global plastic waste generated each year, according to UN data.
Natural polymers, are created in nature, not chemically modified, and explicitly excluded from the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and REACH definition of “plastic”. Despite also being fully biodegradable, compostable and scalable, some UK regulations do not yet recognise their unique advantages over traditional materials.
With plastic pollution expected to triple by 2060, MPs were urged to support moves to replace plastic, moving beyond just recycling the material, which has been a key focus of ministers for decades.
More than a dozen MPs, peers and civil servants joined the event, where companies including Xampla, plantsea, Notpla and MarinaTex showcased their products.
Experts say the global plastic crisis requires action across the entire lifecycle, from production to disposal, rather than focusing solely on recycling and reuse.
Policymakers also heard about the opportunity to develop some 35,000 high-skilled, green jobs across the UK, with the industry set to be worth £4.2 billion with the right government support.
MPs say the industry has “huge potential” and have vowed to support moves to shift the focus beyond just recycling plastic, to replacing it altogether with innovative nature-based solutions.
Charlotte Cane, Liberal Democrat MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, said:
“This exciting industry is leading the way to tackle the global plastic crisis and has huge potential. Developing nature-based solutions to this challenge will not only help us realise our net zero goals but can also create well-paid, highly skilled jobs in Ely and East Cambridgeshire and across the UK.
“For too long, policymakers have focused simply on recycling plastic, but this growing community of innovators shows just what can be achieved when we set out to replace it altogether.”
Assheton Carter, Chair of the Natural Polymers Group, said:
“Great to see members of the Natural Polymers Group engaging with MPs, Peers and civil servants in Westminster, on how to accelerate the adoption of natural polymers as credible, mainstream alternatives to plastic.
As Chair of the Natural Polymers Group Secretariat, I welcome these constructive discussions taking place between innovators, industry and policymakers to help ensure regulation evolves in step with progress across the sector.”
Alexandra French, CEO at Xampla and Natural Polymers Group UK Regulatory Lead, said:
“Natural polymers are a practical, natural alternative to plastic, and will be vital as we look to transition away from fossil-fuel based alternatives.
“By working in partnership with policymakers, we can accelerate the transition of this innovative technology and create real-world impact; creating economic growth for the UK and reducing plastic pollution at source.”