Paper and board packaging waste is still exceeding an annual 4 million tonnes1 despite strong efforts by businesses to reuse and recycle material, says Envirowise.
In fact, in 2005 the UK used the packaging equivalent of 1.25 billion standard cardboard boxes – so many they would cover an area more than twice the size of York within a year.2
Now Envirowise is calling on local manufacturers and retailers to help further reduce unnecessary packaging by adopting 'cleaner' principles at design stage, with their help.
Elin Crebbin, Envirowise Regional Manager for Yorkshire and Humber, says: "Many products don't need room to breathe, so why are they surrounded by unnecessary 'air' through over-sized or ill-fitting packaging? Some businesses could even be doubling their transport costs – simply because their products are over-packed. And with 67% of consumers surveyed always buying the least-packed product when given a choice, it is clear there is both an environmental and commercial motivation to act."3
Companies are being urged to visit Envirowise's how much air page and enter some initial data on their packaging format and usage. Participants will then receive valuable, free guidance from Envirowise within ten working days – outlining opportunities to innovate and reduce their packaging waste.
Jane Bickerstaffe, Director of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), says: "There are a number of key drivers for companies to minimise and optimise packaging, including the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Obligations - which require packaging producers to take responsibility for recovering 70 per cent of packaging by 2010 – and the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations - which dictate that packaging volume and weight in the UK market is limited to the minimum amount that is absolutely necessary.
"And while companies spent £105 million on recovering and recycling 60% of used packaging in 2005 – we know there is still room for improvement. We would urge businesses to refer to INCPEN's Responsible Packaging Code of Practice and take advantage of this free advice from Envirowise."
Any company that is involved in design, production and distribution of packaging is invited to register at Envirowise's how much air page. Envirowise will then contact companies with free, tailored advice on cutting packaging waste within 10 days.
Yorkshire and Humber businesses can also source confidential advice on a wide range of issues relating to resource efficiency by calling the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley. Media Contacts: Rod Dennis or Louise Harris at Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311.
Footnotes:
- 10,280,196 tonnes of packaging waste entered the UK waste stream in 2005 (DEFRA) and 43% of the total weight of packaged waste is estimated to consist of paper and board (INCPEN)
- Cardboard box equivalent is calculated using standard box dimensions provided by a UK drinks manufacturer. Land figure from wikipedia organisation
- Figures taken from LOTSA/Mintel survey conducted in January 2006
Notes to Editors:
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact.
Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits* delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms, to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge. For more information visit the Envirowise website.
* Please note that different services are available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.