In collaboration with local authorities, manufacturers and retailers, the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN) is publishing a guide for packaging in the Internet age.
‘Packaging and the Internet: A guide to packaging goods for multi-channel delivery systems’ aims to consider the different demands and challenges imposed by new supply chains, as well as exploring opportunities to achieve resource efficiency.
Launching the guide, INCPEN’s Director, Jane Bickerstaffe, explained: “Companies have to rise to the challenge of identifying packaging that is appropriate for delivering goods via a number of different distribution systems to retail outlets as well as directly to consumers at home.”
The guide’s recommendations include: adopting simple, practical approaches rather than conducting thorough analyses of environmental impacts; eliminating layers where possible for both financial and environmental reasons; ensuring you know where materials come from and that they meet certifications; setting performance indicators; regularly reviewing trends in average number of items per order; and considering seasonal variations.
In addition, the guide also explains how companies can avoid prosecution under the UK Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations. Under these laws, packaging must meet specifications regarding the presence of hazardous substances, the feasibility of recycling or recovery, and the minimisation of environmental impact, for example.
Director of Policy and Operations at the Trading Standards Institute, Andy Foster, said of the guide: “[I]t will help businesses fulfil their vital role in achieving sustainable development. Packaging optimisation is far from being a mere regulatory compliance issue but one that can stimulate genuine cost savings for businesses, enhance packaging performance and increase brand reputation.”
A separate study, ‘Food and Drink Packaging Trends’ produced by market researchers Mintel UK, found that three in four consumers state it is important for brands to invest in sustainable packaging.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.