"So as the experts on plastics we welcome this call for evidence. We support interventions that encourage reusable and recyclable plastic, as well as measures that reduce litter and improve recycling," said the BPF, but warning that the 'devil will be in the detail'.
"We must not lose sight of the broader point that there are many positive uses for plastic in our society – from our hospitals to food security," the trade body said.
Any material, the BPF added, that can be only used once – whether derived from plastic or anything else – has no place in the future and should be reduced.
Also commenting on the development, leading resource and waste management company Suez said called for having deeper and broader review of the situation.
"Piece meal bans on a few high profile items will capture the public's imagination but we need to capitalise on that goodwill by having a broader and deeper review of what is sustainable and what is not, and how tax can encourage a more circular economy," the company said.
“Taxation and policy reforms above all should be used to incentivise change and drive innovation starting with design & manufacturer, rather than just focus on consumers when they are sold products wrapped in, or made of single use plastics," said David Palmer-Jones, CEO of Suez recycling and recovery UK.
Palmer-Jones recommended an extended producer responsibility regime "to address all forms of resource usage, materials and packaging production, and their collection, reuse and recycling across the whole supply chain."
"We need a full scale review of the taxation system for packaging that encompasses both plastics, paper, glass and card, including a review of the existing PRN (packaging recovery note) system if we are to achieve a more resource-efficient society and encourage producers to take more responsibility," he noted.
The drive to go ‘plastic-free' in the UK gained momentum earlier this year as UK prime minister Theresa May called for eradicating “all avoidable plastic waste”.
In her 25-year strategy to protect environment, unveiled in January, May urged supermarkets to introduce “plastic-free” aisles.
A number of major UK businesses, including the BBC, the Eurostar train line, Pizza Express and Glastonbury music festival, have announced plans to scrap single use plastics in the coming years.
The Buckingham Palace also confirmed 11 Feb that Queen Elizabeth II, and Royal estates, have banned the use of plastic straws and bottles in response to a TV series Blue Planet II which highlighted the scale of sea pollution.