Packaging
Packaging
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Reusing products
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Recycling
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Waste reduction
When consumers unpack their shopping bags there can be a lot of food packaging in the bags, made from a number of materials. A typical shopping bag may include:
- fruit, vegetables, salad and dried herbs in plastic bags
- apples or potatoes in polystyrene trays which are then covered with plastic cases
- cereal in plastic bags which are then in cardboard boxes
- foods that are in tins
- tomatoes in plastic trays
- drinks in tetra boxes or plastic bottles
- corks in wine bottle
Most packaging is designed to protect the appearance and quality of foods. It can also be used to extend the shelf life of a product and maintain its quality during transportation. A lot of packaging is designed to make the product look more attractive and seem better quality, however, the problem for the consumer is that they are paying for the packaging and then they have the responsibility for disposing of it. With all the campaigns about the benefits of recycling, consumers may find that some of this packaging cannot actually be recycled so will therefore have to go to landfill. There is still a great deal of packaging that is not biodegradable.
The EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) covers three main areas of concern;
- the prevention of packaging waste,
- the reuse of packaging, and
- the recovery and recycling of packaging.
The main priority is to reduce the amount of packaging and excess waste generated in order to prevent waste, but this is also supported by measures for recycling and reusing items which deal with the waste that is created. ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ is the key message.
Many stores and companies are realising the importance of sustainability issues. They have started to reduce the packaging they use, have withdrawn free plastic bags, offer bags for life, offer material bag alternatives or charge you a fee for plastic bags used. All of these are aimed at reducing the amount of waste and plastic bags being used.
Where possible, consumers should look for products with the least packaging. They should consider whether they need to put their broccoli or bananas into a plastic bag to be weighed? Whether bottles can be refilled? Whether packaging displays a recyclable logo or shows that the product packaging is made from recycled material?
Trading Standards can consider complaints about excessively packaged goods and may be able to investigate problems. Trading Standards can prosecute organisations or companies that fail to comply with the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003.
Information around the composition of packaging can be found on the Trading Standards Institute’s website.
The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste by improving recycling, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change. This organisation and its website offer clear practical information about making changes for a better environment and the legislation that goes along hand in hand with this issue.
