Deep Sagar has been appointed by Defra as Chair of the Advisory Committee on Packaging (ACP).
The ACP is made up of industry experts with a specific interest in packaging waste to assist with the UK Government’s policy development on packaging reuse, recovery and recycling.
Deep Sagar has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. He has previously worked in senior management roles in multinational companies Coca Cola and Unilever, as well as in roles on the boards of NHS 24, the Councillors’ Remuneration Panel for Northern Ireland and South Eastern Regional College.
Sagar’s new role as Chair of ACP will involve providing strategic direction to the Committee as it continues to advise Defra and the devolved governments on reform of the packaging producer responsibility system, as well as maintaining the functionality of the current system.
He takes the position from Phil Conran, who served as Chair for just over five years. During this time, the ACP has advised the UK Government on developing proposals for a new packaging producer responsibility system.
From March 2021, Defra will be running a recruitment process to fill more committee roles.
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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.