Plastic Pollution Reduction

Baroness Sheehan Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I am sure the noble Lord is aware that plastic waste exports are subject to pretty strict rules that are set out in existing legislation, but it is important that we continue to review this because we need to make sure that we improve the way we manage our waste and our recycling. Our focus is on ensuring that the plastic waste that we export is treated appropriately and that there is a level playing field for domestic recycling. We are consulting on potential further reforms to the PRN system and looking at measures to create that level playing field between UK domestic reprocessors and exporters and, importantly, to reduce the risk of fraud and error.

[Baroness Sheehan (LD)]

My Lords, what progress are the Government making in revising school uniform policy to require PFAS-free alternatives so as to allow families to buy from suppliers that are known to avoid PFAS-based finishes?

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I am sure the noble Baroness is aware that we published our PFAS plan in February. That sets out, for the first time ever, how government is going to minimise the harmful effects of PFAS. We need to look at how we can move to safer alternatives while continuing to monitor any detrimental effects. It is very important with clothes for children, for example, that we do not cause any harms.