Tory MEPs last night slammed "damaging and unrealistic" new waste disposal targets.

The criticism came as German and Green MEPs voted to speed-up the introduction of a reduction in packaging waste.

MEPs backed a report that waste must be cut by 2008 -but went further when they also proposed minimum recycling targets of 65 per cent.

Forum Response: Envirowise

Martin Gibson, director of Envirowise, told ePolitix: "From the Envirowise perspective, the most important issue is to reduce the production of waste overall; recycling targets help but do not tackle the core problem of reducing the generation of waste in the first place.

"There is considerable scope for many businesses to reduce waste at source and make substantial financial savings.

"Many companies have found that optimising their packaging has significantly reduced the amount of packaging and cut costs. For example, a recent Envirowise case study highlights how Macmillan Distribution Ltd and Securicor Omega Express worked with Waterstone's to improve their packaging.

"A pilot scheme using re-useable tote boxes eliminated the need for 21,720 cardboard cartons a year - that generated 15 tonnes of waste. They also reduced paper packaging by 95 per cent, reduced stock damage and reduced the cost of compliance with the packaging waste regulations.

"Securicor Omega Express estimate that by adopting the scheme, their partners can make annual cost savings of about £1.5 million and eliminate 3,500 tonnes of waste each year."

Forum Response: Construction Products Association

Jean Emblin, communications director of the Construction Production Association told ePolitix: "Realistic targets within realistic timeframes must be set to reduce packaging waste.

"The industry, and construction products industry in particular, has already taken action to use, reuse, recover and recycle packaging waste before landfilling.

"The construction products industry already uses re-cycled products in production. For example, 'glasphalt' where glass bottles are recycled for use in road construction, reusing wood waste in chipboard production, and using tyres as fuel substitutes, to name but a few.

"The impact of harsh targets on industry will be significant, especially as adequate infrastructure and tolls are not in place to meet these targets. There will be a need for local authorities to take responsibility for collecting household waste if these targets are to be met. The material specific recycling targets will also affect the PRN prices.

"Government must take urgent action to ensure industry is not faced with another 'fridge scenario. Adequate facilities are urgently needed for collection and recycling centres and incentives must be in place to create a market demand for recycled products.

"We await the government's response to these amendments and how it would transpose the policies into national law."

Forum Response: Food and Drink Federation

Martin Paterson, deputy director general of the Food and Drink Federation, said: "The food manufacturing industry takes its role in sustainability very seriously but food safety is the number one priority when packaging food for the consumer."

Forum Response: Environmental Services Association

Andrew Ainsworth, senior policy executive for the Environment Services Association, told ePolitix.com: "European Parliament has shown leadership in voting to increase the recycling targets for packaging waste. The changes will ensure more sustainable management of the 10 million tonnes of packaging waste arising in the UK each year.

"However, ESA is concerned that the parliament's decision to set a minimum recovery target below that of the minimum recycling target effectively squeezes out the option to recover energy from packaging waste. It is vital that the waste management industry is enabled to provide a range of sustainable solutions to manage packaging waste according to the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO).

"A recovery target provides Member States with the flexibility to meet the obligations of the Directive, and for local waste strategies to be responsive to changes in the secondary materials market. Furthermore, materials unsuitable for recycling can make a valuable contribution to the energy needs of Member States."

Forum Response: The Environment Council

Mike Brown, chair of the National Resource and Waste Forum (NRWF), tolf ePolitix: "Reduction of packaging waste and increased recycling is necessary for effective waste management. The Conservative MEP's reaction is sensationalist - increased recycling need not equal increased costs.

"Furthermore, logic dictates that waste reduction will bring about cost savings for industry. One cannot move too quickly towards waste minimisation."