Packaging firm calls for tighter UK rules on plastics to drive green economy

Plastic containers at a recycling facility. DS Smith works with international firms to find alternatives to plastic tubs, pots and boxes. Photograph: Allison Dinner/EPA

Whoever wins the UK general election must tighten regulations to reduce the use of plastic packaging, match global standards and drive “green consumption”, the boss of one of the sector’s biggest manufacturers has urged.

Miles Roberts, the chief executive of the packaging firm DS Smith, made the call to the next government as the company celebrated passing its target to replace more than 1bn pieces of plastic 16 months early.