Plastics, pollution and waste proposal impact

Theresa May’s 25-year plan to tackle plastics, pollution and waste includes new responsibilities and mixed financial impacts for retailers.

While introducing mandatory 5p charges on carrier bags in small stores was heralded by the NFRN as a success for retailers, other policies such as creating a nationwide network of water bottle refill points could harm sales.

A poll by YouGov last year revealed that 61% would stop buying bottled water if refill points were more available.

Other targets likely to impact retailers include halving retailer food waste by 2030, reducing plastic packaging including implementing “plastic-free supermarket aisles”, reducing litter and eradicating plastic waste by 2042.