The Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed plans, announced today, to eradicate all avoidable plastic waste in the UK by 2042.

Prime Minister Theresa May has announced the government’s 25 year plan to protect the environment, including measures to reduce plastic packaging and specific proposals to extend the 5p charge on single use plastic bags to all retailers in England.

In today’s speech, Mrs May said: “I think people will be shocked at how today we allow so much plastic to be produced needlessly.”

The government said it would start by looking at voluntary agreements with the plastic industry in order to achieve their goal, and before making any of the plans compulsory.

Responding to the publication of the Environment Plan, ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The commitment to consulting on a coherent strategy including cutting plastic waste is the right approach for delivering lasting benefits.

”We support regulatory action to extend the plastic bag levy to small retailers. A consistent approach to plastic bag charging in England will give all retailers the chance to raise money for good causes and contribute to the positive environmental impact of reducing the number of carrier bags in circulation. 

He added:“We will be responding to the Government’s consultation on what role the tax system can play in reducing single use plastics and will engage in the debate about reform of packaging waste regulation.”