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New packaging solutions
09/06/2009
New proposals to cut the amount of packaging produced and improve recycling rates in Scotland have been unveiled.
Next month the public and businesses will be asked for their views on measures contained in the UK-wide strategy, 'Making the Most of Packaging', as part of a wider consultation on the Scottish Government's new National Waste Management Plan.
Scotland currently produces around 800,000 thousand tonnes every year.
Some of the proposals contained in the new packaging strategy include:
- The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) will work with manufacturers and retailers to reduce packaging for everyday products
- The recyclability of packaging will be improved and clear guidance will be provided for manufacturers
- Government will improve the awareness of advice to business on eco-design of packaging
Environment Secretary, Richard Lochhead said:
"This new strategy proposes some innovative solutions to many of the threats that excessive and needless packaging poses to the environment. The whole chain from production to disposal of packaging is being looked at.
"In Scotland alone, there are 800,000 tonnes of packaging in the waste stream. It makes good business sense to take a committed look at reducing packaging, as many Scottish companies have already seen huge cost savings as a result.
"In Scotland we already have much to be proud of - including improved recycling rates and meeting our target to cut the level of waste being sent to landfill 18 months ahead of schedule - but we can do even more to help create a zero waste society. By making it easier for people to recycle we can take the next steps in our journey and create greater economic spin-offs.
"Although packaging does play an important part in the protection of goods, it is important to ensure that it is as environmentally friendly as possible. I welcome any measures that encourages consumers and supplier to improve the current situation."
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."
'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 will each take forward the strategy.
Scottish companies are already waking up to and seeing the benefits of addressing their packaging problems:
The North Sea oil and gas industry focussed on cutting waste both internally and throughout their supply chains. This prevented 3,800 tonnes and a raw material saving of 30,700 tonnes. The venture saved £170,000 and is anticipated to exceed £1/2 million.
Harper Collins in Bishopbriggs redesigned packaging to reduce resource consumption and aid final recyclability. By reducing B2B and B2C packaging, waste was lessened by 172 tonnes in 2008 with a saving of £142,000, anticipated to reach over £350,000.
Since 2007, The Co-operative has used the world's lightest 70cl spirits bottle to package their own-label whisky. The bottle is designed to reduce manufacturing costs, cut carbon emissions and minimise the amount of glass being used in packaging.
During 2008, Envirowise Scotland provided extensive on-site Design Track support to Harper Collins Publishers Ltd in Bishopbriggs. The project focussed on identifying and realising opportunities to reduce both B2B and B2C packaging. Packaging experts worked with Harper Collins to redesign packaging over several months, reducing resource consumption and aid final recyclability. As a result Harper Collins has implemented returnable packaging for business deliveries and smaller, lighter recyclable single use consumer packaging. Realised savings (February 2009) were 172 tonnes of packaging waste and a financial saving of over £142,000. The financial savings are anticipated to reach over £350,000 within 12 months.