Independent retailers are planning to lead the way on plastic reduction by investing in local produce and more single pick fruit and vegetables. 

The move away from plastic packaging is gathering pace, with Iceland becoming the first high street chain to vow to remove plastics from its own-label products within five years. 

Soft drink manufacturer Danone has also announced that its Evian brand will come in bottles made only from recycled plastic by 2025 and Coca-Cola unveiled its ambition to make all of its packaging with 50% recycled plastic. 

Anish Parekh, owner of Broadoak Londis and Post Office in Greater Manchester, said investing in local food and drink could become a marketing point as consumers become more against plastic.  

“Fresh cakes, biscuits and drinks could be marketed as local and environmentally friendly. Our eggs and muffins are local and among our most popular products,” he said. 

Independent retailers also called on manufacturers and symbol groups to support them.

Tim Garner of Nisa Local in Portsmouth, said: “We can do something about plastic carrier bags but the packaging is more for the manufacturers.”

Amit Patel of Belvedere News, Food and Wine in Kent said the Government was moving too slowly. “They should reduce plastic in five to 10 years, rather than 25 years. Manufacturers who can be environmentally friendly now will win shoppers,” he said.