Written question asked by David Kidney (Labour) on Thursday, 11 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 November 2002. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Thursday, 7 November 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if the Government will introduce legislation to compel the use of biodegradable materials for packaging of goods.

Answer: Mr. Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if the Government will introduce legislation to compel the use of biodegradeable materials for packaging of goods. [70260] Margaret Beckett: Some retailers are using a substitute for plastics in some types of packaging made from potato starch. This material is entirely biodegradeable and can be composted. Other biodegradeable materials are manufactured based on modified plastics made from mineral oil. These materials still have to be sent for recycling after use. We do not therefore plan to introduce legislation to compel the use of biodegradeable materials for packaging of goods, but we do strongly support the development of biodegradeable materials from non-fossil sources.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 392 c571W;392 c583W; 70260
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Biodegradability Domestic waste Recycling Packaging Waste disposal
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk