The study will look at how businesses respond to regulations across the UK internal market.
Since 2011, several measures have been brought into force across the UK to tackle single-use plastic waste, including plastic bags, cutlery, straws and food and drink containers.
The OIM is asking for feedback from stakeholders including SMEs and others in the supply chain on their experiences in dealing with regulatory changes, in particular the extent to which differences in the timing or substance of regulations have impacted policymaking and innovation across the UK.
Scotland, England and Wales have implemented bans on certain products while Northern Ireland has a plan for future restrictions. Although they are similar in substance, restrictions have been introduced at different times.
Is the ban on single-use plastics working?
Steve Gough, the chief executive of Valpak, which produced the Defra report that informed the 2023 ban on single-use plastics, said: “We welcome any moves that will provide a better picture on how national restrictions on single-use plastics are working and how businesses are dealing with regulatory changes to reduce complexity, boost innovation and help guide development of future policy.
“As we outlined in our framework for improving the UK’s waste management sector, targeted policy needs to simplify recycling for businesses and consumers, and we look forward to seeing the results of this study.”
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