MPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a motion urging the government to take steps to reduce the amount of boxes and packaging used by online retailers and to encourage the development of reusable options.

The motion, drawn up by the pro animal PvdD, aims to encourage ministers to work on more environmentally sustainable options. The motion was opposed by the far right PVV and FvD.

‘Everyone knows how irritating it is to order a screwdriver online and have it delivered in a box that would fit half a sofa,’ said PvdD MP Eva van Esch, who drew up the motion.

Figures from the Recycling Network Benelux suggest that home deliveries account for 87 million kilos of packaging, much of which is unnecessary and requires a substantial amount raw materials.

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