Food industry 'rapidly' ditching plastic

'Greenest ever' Food and Drink Festival

This year's Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival has been hailed as the 'greenest ever', in spite of a continued reliance on disposable plastic packaging.

The Environment Minister, Geoffrey Boot, told the House of Keys efforts were made to eradicate waste at the event, held at the Villa Marina in September.

Government's most recent strategy on plastic pollution called for an immediate crackdown on single-use plastic at publicly-sponsored events.

But Mr Boot admitted there was no other option than for some producers to use plastic cups, trays and bags.

He says the situation is improving, though.