Benn sends packaging waste packing

Add article to favourites

Could Britain become a zero waste nation with Hilary Benn's 'War on Waste' campaign?

Here’s a story that is music to our ears and brings good cheer to our heart, and I’m sure you’ll agree.

According to DEFRA and some national newspapers today, the UK is set to change its packaging requirements and guidelines over the next ten years.

We reported this week that Hilary Benn has plans to change the way manufacturers use ‘Best before’ and ‘Use by’ dates with his ‘war on waste‘ campaign. Well now we are to see lots more activity to reduce landfill waste by increasing recycling facilities and reducing waste packaging. Is a zero waste Britain going to become a reality?

Here’s the latest from DEFRA:

“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.” ”

I’ve highlighted the bits that particularly excited me about these proposals and as usual, we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Easy Related Posts

Tetra Pak recycling is coming back to the UK!

Tetra Pak carton recycle is coming back to the UK! ...read more

Making 2020 Zero Waste work

Caroline Spelman, Prof Paul Connett, Mal Williams and Mrs A all in one room! ...read more

Workshop: Starting Up a Community Reuse and Resource Centre

Do you dream of setting up a Community Reuse centre? ...read more

Bristol council plan to send zero waste to landfill

Bristol council are all set for a zero waste future ...read more

Important annoucement about recycling crisp packets

Please read for the latest information about recycling crisp packets ...read more

Families rationed to 80 bags of rubbish a year

Read about the latest attempt by local authorities to cut down waste ...read more