All food packaging 'should be recyclable' by 2013
All food packaging should be recyclable within the next six years, with retailers having to pursue green purchasing policies to help the target become a reality, according to a new report.
Recommendations published by the Green Alliance called on retailers to specify compostable or recyclable packaging in their purchasing decisions, while also simplifying their packaging choices across their ranges, Food and Drink Exec reported.
The study also called on local authorities to help businesses choose sustainable packaging materials, with assistance from central government where necessary.
"Consumers want to be greener but need help to reduce their waste and carbon footprint. Yet 18 per cent of household waste in the UK is food waste and a further 20 per cent is packaging," said Stephen Hale, director of the Green Alliance.
"Landfill is no longer an option. Manufacturers, retailers, local authorities and waste companies can, and must, do more to help householders do the right thing," he added.
In the wake of the Green Alliance guidelines, representatives from both Marks and Spencer and Boots called for "joined-up" action between producers, retailers, consumers and local authorities to achieve the report's sustainability goals.
Article Date: 12 December 2007
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