A more determined national approach including government action is needed to accelerate the transition to sustainable plastics and electric vehicles, according to consumer company executives.

Mirja Viinanen, IKEA Australia’s chief executive and chief sustainability officer, told The Australian Financial Review ESG Summit the furniture retailer was working hard to educate customers that more durable and energy-efficient products cost them less, but inconsistent policies on recycling and electric vehicles were a handicap in Australia.