Packaging and how its changing
As we start to recycle more things more often, awareness on the amount of packaging used on a daily basis is increasing. We all want to do our bit for the environment but what is being done about packaging?
Well, lots of changes are happening, but whilst some packaging reductions are visually clear to see, other changes are very subtle. For instance, the removal of the outer box for a tube of tomato puree and card sleeves around ready meals rather than full boxes are easy to see, but would you notice that a glass jar is lighter in weight? All these changes make an enormous difference. As does the purchase of concentrated products and refills which helps to reduce the environmental impact in various ways.
Whilst packaging has an important role to play in getting products safely from the factory to the consumer, there is always scope to do more. Helping to do this are over 30 retailers, brands and suppliers who represent 92% of the UK grocery sector.
These companies have signed up to a voluntary agreement, called the Courtauld Commitment to find new ways of reducing packaging and food waste across the whole supply chain. To find out more about the work of this voluntary agreement and the targets that the signatories have set, click here.
Since the beginning of this agreement in July 2005, the signatories have successfully slowed the growth of packaging and are also actively supporting the Love Food Hate Waste campaign. Inroads are also being made into the Home Improvement and DIY sector.
Top Tips on packaging
Below are a few things to consider whilst making your choices at the shops. For more information on how you can reduce your packaging click here
Buy concentrated
But remember to use the right dosage to get the best value. Fabric conditioner, soups, tomato puree and squash are all concentrated products.
Use the right amount
Items like dishwasher tablets and washing liquid capsules or powder tablets for clothes encourage us to use the right amount of product each and every time.
Refill it
Washing detergents, coffee and hand wash are all available as refills and can save you money too.
Why is so much packaging used?
Packaging is used to protect the product and, in most cases, we can’t do without it. It gets products from the manufacturer to the retailer and finally to the consumer in a condition which the consumer expects. It also extends shelf-life, minimises breakage, safeguards public health and provides product information to consumers.
Damaged and wasted products could have far more of an environmental impact than the packaging saved, especially when a reasonable proportion of packaging material can be widely recycled. But it is important that the right amount of packaging is used – not too much nor too little. It would be unwise to reduce a product’s packaging, only to find that it has to be overly packaged to protect it when being transported to retail outlets (known as secondary packaging). Again it is about getting the balance right.
Packaging can protect and prolong the shelf life of some fruit and vegetables. Cucumber Growers Association tests show that unwrapped cucumbers are un-saleable after 3 days whilst using just under 2 grams of packaging keeps them fresh for 14 days.
Food waste is perhaps more of an issue than packaging waste, as when food rots down in landfill, it produces a ‘greenhouse gas’ called methane which is 23 times more potent than CO2 – so a balance has to be struck. Did you know that in the UK we throw away 8.3 million tonnes of food and drink each year, and every tonne of food waste is responsible for 4.5 tonnes of CO2! To find out more visit: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com .
What changes have been made so far?
Recycled content in glass, metal, paper and board packaging has been a feature of packaging for many years. The use of recycled content in plastic packaging is growing and will grow further with increased availability of good quality recycled plastic. To see examples of products that use recycled materials and less packaging, or have been specifically designed to be recycled or to encourage re-use, click here.
To read a report prepared by the Advisory Committee explaining what the UK has achieved so far and what is being done to reduce packaging, click here.
Is it just food packaging that is being reduced?
No – the Home Improvement (DIY) sector is also looking at ways to support less packaging. Currently B&Q is using a returnable and reusable cover for carrying kitchen worktops, known as the Carrierpac. It saves on material as it can be used for up to 18 trips and reduces product damage. There is also no packaging for the consumer to dispose of.
Why hasn’t packaging been reduced on everything?
Change is happening but it takes time. It requires market research, product design and investment in machinery or moulds. More items with reduced packaging are becoming available all the time, so help keep this going by buying products with less packaging.
