The far-reaching policy, launched by Environment minister Hilary Benn, will bid to overhaul the way the UK deals with packaging from “production line to recycling bin” over the next decade.

In its report entitled “Making the Most of Packaging", the Government has laid out a raft of new initiatives.

The first concerns the way packaging, and its reduction is measured, and the government will be looking at the costs and benefits of changing from weight-based to carbon-based targets.

Design improvements

In addition, there will be a focus on eco-design and the government will be working to make business more aware of services and support offered in this area by creating a central information point.

Furthermore, the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) will work with manufacturers and retailers to reduce packaging for everyday products in line with the best on the market. It will also include negotiating the next generation of voluntary agreements for the period 2010-15.

The document also states that the recyclability of packaging should be improved and clear guidance provided for manufacturers on designing with recyclability in mind.

Improve recycling

The scheme has also called for greater investment by packaging producers to increase recycling and improve the quality of materials for recycling.

Overall it said it would make enforcement action easier against manufacturers of excess and unnecessary packaging. Consumers will be encouraged to continue to report excessive packaging to Trading Standards.

The use of refillable and reusable packaging could also be expanded, so in the future customers could have the option of buying anything from laundry detergent to coffee by simply taking empty containers back to shops to be refilled.

The Government also said it would work with local authorities and packaging producers to improve household recycling services, so that in future more types of packaging are collected for recycling.

In addition, more "recycling on the go" points will be introduced in public places for drinks cans, and more glass collected for recycling from pubs, clubs and restaurants. Banning some materials, such as aluminium and glass, from landfill altogether is also being considered.