Readers will recall that the UK Dept for the Environment (DEFRA) and the Dept. for Business (BEIS) have been refusing to disclose most of the responses received to their public consultation on Standards for Bio-based, Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics. I therefore appealed to the Information Commissioner, and have at last received all the responses, including the 139 which DEFRA refused to disclose until they were ordered to do so.
The Information Commissioner has made it clear that “when any individual or organisation attempts to influence the future direction of a public authority, there is a pressing need for transparency so that the public can see who is trying to influence policy and why. This acts as a deterrent for anyone wishing exercise, or to accept, undue influence.”
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc (LON:SYM) is a world leader in the development of additives to make ordinary plastic biodegradable and protective technologies to enhance plastic products.