As we start to recycle more things more often, awareness has increased about the amount of packaging used on a daily basis. This raises the question - What is happening to reduce packaging?

Well, a lot is 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.

Reducing waste and using fewer natural resources is a powerful way of making a contribution towards reducing climate change and delivering a sustainable future.

What triggered this change?

Reducing packaging is not new – it’s been happening for decades. It makes sense for businesses to reduce packaging whenever possible; saving costs and resources is a key driver. But as technology and design techniques have advanced, packaging techniques have too.

Consumer demand for reduced packaging, as well as the many UK laws on packaging, has also encouraged manufacturers and retailers to look at new ways of using packaging. In addition, a government sponsored agreement called the Courtauld Commitment was set up to develop innovative packaging solutions so that less rubbish ends up in the household bin. This has been signed to date, by over 30 major grocery retailers, brands and suppliers in the UK.
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 6.7 million tonnes of food 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.

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.

For more information please visit; Recycle Now