Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S6W-08337 · Session 6

What research it has conducted into oxo-degradable plastics and their inclusion in Scotland's single-use plastic ban.

Answered Asked by Mark Ruskell Green Lodged 27 Apr 2022

The question

To ask the Scottish Government what research it has conducted into oxo-degradable plastics and their inclusion in Scotland's single-use plastic ban.

The answer

Answered by Lorna Slater on 12 May 2022 · 15 days after it was lodged, on time

The Scottish Government is committed to align with or exceed the standards of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive including banning oxo-degradable plastics under Article 5 of that Directive.
Oxo-degradable plastics were included in the suite of impact assessments performed for the creation of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.
However, this is an area of significant complexity and rapid change and it is important that we make a decision based on the most up to date information.
Therefore, we have commissioned James Hutton Institute to undertake further analysis to demonstrate environmental impact of oxo-biodegradable products. This research is expected to be completed shortly and will help inform the scope of the planned ban on oxo-degradable plastic products in Scotland.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-08337 by reference.