Iceland and Wagamama have unveiled new commitments to reduce plastic following the publication of the government’s 25 year environment plan.
Wagamama will join the likes of Wetherspoons in switching from plastic to biodegradable paper straws from Earth Day on 22 April. Until then it will only hand out straws to customers who request them.
The move was welcomed by Friends of the Earth waste campaigner Julian Kirby, who urged other restaurants to follow suit. “This is a significant step in the right direction, but we need far bigger strides from government, industry and retailers to properly tackle the scourge of plastic waste and its impact on our environment,” he said.
Iceland, meanwhile, is committing to eliminate plastic packaging from all of its own brand products by the end of 2023.
The retailer said it planned to harness the latest technologies to create a range of packaging comprising paper and pulp trays along with paper bags which are fully recyclable through domestic waste collection or in-store recycling facilities.
“The onus is on retailers, as leading contributors to plastic packaging pollution and waste, to take a stand and deliver meaningful change,” said Iceland managing director, Richard Walker. “Other supermarkets, and the retail industry as a whole, should follow suit and offer similar commitments during 2018. This is a time for collaboration.”
Last week, the government published a 25 year plan for the environment which included a commitment to eliminate avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042.