Smurfit Kappa Cor-Trade, wholesale suppliers of corrugated packaging and corrugated sheet, recently carried out a sustainability survey that was directed solely at their UK customer base. It was carried about between January and March 2012 and was designed to test the impact of sustainability issues on the corrugated packaging industry.
The results of the survey reveal how important sustainability is to the respondents:
- When asked how they intended to improve their sustainability, 66.7 per cent of respondents identified improving the efficiency of packaging as a key focus
- When asked about their waste management processes 61.9 per cent of respondents saw it as important in their efforts to improve sustainability
- When asked about the impact of forestry management and certification, 52.4 per cent confirmed that it was significantly important to them
- Over one-third of respondents (38 per cent) actively encouraged their suppliers to act on sustainability
- 28.6 per cent of respondents regarded material efficiency as the most valuable supplier-based initiative in assisting them in addressing sustainability
Mark Richards, Smurfit Kappa Sales and Marketing Director, said: “No one has ever asked their customer base how important sustainability is in influencing their future buying patterns. As an innovative organisation we have always believed that sustainability is a key area that will, through necessity, drive efficiency in production and packaging performance. This survey confirms that our long-term business strategy is delivering for our customers as well ourselves.”
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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.