The government has on Wednesday outlined its strategy for sustainable development in business.

Addressing a conference hosted by the Environment Agency and the Institute for Public Policy Research, environment secretary Margaret Beckett launched the next steps to improving the impact of business on the environment, including achieving a reduction in consumer waste.

Targets were set in the White Paper published earlier this year. Ministers are committed to reducing land filling of biodegradable waste by 65 per cent by 2020, and a 60 per cent in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

However, critics have argued that while these are bold and ambitious, action is needed to ensure that they are reached.

"There is a limit to natural resources and a limit on the environment's capacity to absorb waste and pollution," said Tony Grayling, associate director at the IPPR.

"While government has set bold targets in this area, there is a need for a fundamental shift in the way business operates and in the patterns of consumption."