In an attempt to step up the war against litter, the Scottish government is monitoring a New York project that outlawed the material as part of a campaign against the “throw-away society”, the Times reported.

The initiative follows Richard Lochhead, the environment secretary, calling for more creative ways to improve the environment.

FPA executive director Martin Kersh told Packaging News: “We know that foodservice packaging accounts for 2.9% of litter and foam is a small proportion of that. So its seems highly disproportionate and is yet another example of attacking the item that is littered rather than the person who creates the litter in the first place.

“Mr Lockheed mentions how a ban would help Scotland to make better use of its resources but as we all know EPS uses relatively little resource in its creation. The article refers to a lack of recyclability yet Scotland has 2 EPS recycling facilities.

“This perceived lack of recyclability leads the Environment Secretary to suggest it would therefore ‘be hugely beneficial to have less of it on the street’ implying the only way to reduce litter is to eliminate the littered item altogether rather than to change the behaviour of those who litter.

“Banning EPS will not reduce litter as the alternative forms of packaging will also be littered unless behaviour is changed. The logic therefore suggests other forms of packaging could subsequently be banned.

“We believe we have to address all litter and not target the foodservice industry which contributes only a minor proportion of litter and indeed is very active in picking up litter. Coordinated activities with all parties to address those who litter and t actions such as the current campaign in Villiers Street, London and the policies proposed by the Packaging Recycling Group Scotland will be far more effective in achieving a reduction in litter than the banning of a single packaging material could possibly do.

“We wish to encourage discussion with the Scottish Government and have requested the Scottish Government meet with us.”