It comes amid growing public frustration and confusion as to what can and can not be recycled in the face of differing local authority recycling schemes.
Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Asda, B&Q, Sainsbury’s and the Co-op were in the initial working group that met for the first time in July.
The firms are aiming to develop a coordinated labelling scheme detailing the best way to recycle packaging.
A spokesman for the British Retail Consortium confirmed that within weeks the working group would be extended to include others such as the Local Government Association.