DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (126/09) issued by
COI News Distribution Service on 9 June 2009
Consumers will see
a major overhaul of all packaging over the next decade, under
plans announced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today.
The Government's new packaging strategy, Making the most of
packaging, looks at the packaging of the future and what our shop
shelves and kitchen cupboards should look like if we cut the
amount of packaging produced, used and thrown away, and increase
the amount recycled.
Under the plans published today, the whole chain from production
to disposal of packaging will be tackled:
* Enforcement action will be made easier against manufacturers of
excess and unnecessary packaging, and consumers will be encouraged
to continue to report excessive packaging to Trading
Standards;
* The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP)
will work with manufacturers and retailers to reduce packaging for
everyday products in line with the best on the market;
* The
recyclability of packaging will be improved and clear guidance
will be provided for manufacturers on designing it with
recyclability in mind;
* The use of refillable and reusable
packaging could be expanded, so in the future customers could have
the option of buying anything from laundry detergent to coffee by
simply taking empty containers back to shops to be refilled;
*
The Government will work with local authorities and packaging
producers to improve household recycling services, so that in
future more types of packaging are collected for recycling;
*
Recycling rates for plastic, glass, and aluminium will be targeted
for improvement. This will mean more 'recycling on the
go' points introduced in public places for drinks cans, and
more glass collected for recycling from pubs, clubs and
restaurants; and
* Banning of some materials, such as
aluminium and glass, from landfill altogether is also being considered.
Launching the new strategy at the Chartered Institution of Wastes
Management Futuresource conference today, Mr Benn said:
"We need to rethink the way we deal with packaging, from
production line to recycling bin. The plans we've announced
today set out how we will achieve that - with the goal of making
it as easy as possible for consumers to avoid needless packaging
in the first place and to get rid of what they do receive in a way
that doesn't just create more landfill. I also want
consumers to play their part by reporting excess packaging
wherever they see it - because we're all in this together.
"In a few years time I want people to be able to shop
without having to worry about what they're going to do with
the packaging when they get home, and where it will go after
they've disposed of it."
Liz Goodwin, CEO of WRAP, said:
"Packaging waste is a major issue for shoppers, local
authorities and retailers - and we need to join forces to tackle
it. By working across the whole supply chain, we have greater
opportunities to make a positive difference. We need to cut
excess packaging whilst recognising that the right packaging can
help products last longer and so reduce waste. This is crucial if
we are to meet UK targets for keeping waste out of landfill.
"We have a chance for real innovation here - so that, from
design to disposal, packaging is the very best it can be - for
shoppers and the environment."
Making the most of packaging covers all of the UK and is being
published jointly by Defra, BERR, the Welsh Assembly Government,
Northern Ireland Executive and the Scottish Government. The
devolved administrations have also announced how they will each
take forward the strategy.
Making the most of packaging can be downloaded from
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/topics/packaging/strategy.htm
Notes to Editors
1. Hilary Benn spoke about the new Packaging Strategy in his
speech to the CIWM Futuresource conference on 9 June.
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