The Environment Agency's National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD) is designed to help businesses meet their legal obligations for recycling waste, which apply to firms in the packaging supply chain that handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging annually and have a turnover of more than £2 million.

Project executive Keith Stonell told Workplace Law:

"The website simplifies submission of data, aids national planning and allows Defra and the UK regulators including ourselves to closely monitor the progress.

"It also helps us to identify potential fraud and 'free riding' where companies avoid meeting their regulations."