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1. Product Designers and Manufacturers
The design and manufacture of products purchased by householders can impact heavily on what ends up in the household bin. Design and manufacture of goods are, however, difficult to influence as many products bought in Scotland are produced elsewhere. Work to influence design and manufacture of products is more likely to be for the long term and may require action at both UK and EU level.
A number of initiatives are already being undertaken to minimise waste from products and packaging. Examples of these were outlined in our consultation paper e.g. the Waste & Resources Action Programme ( WRAP) Retail Programme and work by Envirowise and the Market Transformation Programme.
Respondents to the consultation were supportive of the need to promote eco-design in Scotland. For disposable products specifically, highest levels of support were for the introduction of producer responsibility legislation.
The following actions are therefore proposed:-
Action 1: SE / SEPA to publish a report by end 2007 on work being done to encourage sustainable design and sustainable products and the impact that work is having on household waste in Scotland.
Action 2: SWAG to work with Consumer Protection Bodies, Retailers and others to provide better information to consumers on the expected lifespan of key household products, product guarantees and availability of spare parts. Initial information to be on SWAG website by March 2008.
Action 3: SEPA to publish a report by Dec 2007 on potential to introduce further Producer Responsibility initiatives e.g. for disposable products where a reusable alternative exists. SEPA also to continue reporting on existing Producer Responsibility schemes e.g. packaging and those to be introduced e.g. batteries.
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