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.

The UK has a current recycling rate of 42 per cent and any new targets could lead to huge costs for business, critics say.

Amendments by German and Green MEPs to impose a 2006 deadline were also passed, placing the UK's packaging industry under greater pressure.

The UK government has estimated that this could cost UK industry an extra 108 to 134 million euros.

Speaking in Strasbourg last night, the Tory MEP John Bowis said: "We all want to see a reduction in the amount of packaging waste, but laws need to be realistic.

"Member States and European Industry are seriously unprepared for a target date of 2006.

"Too much haste will be counterproductive, putting at risk the stability of the UK's waste management sector, while imposing vast additional cost on UK Industry.

"While we accept that the UK needs to catch up with much of Europe, present increased efforts could be ruined by pushing too far, too fast. 2008 represents a sensible timeframe, giving the industry time to respond which we continue to recommend."

Representatives of the food industry also expressed concern at the effects of the new directive.

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."