BPF Welcomes the Release of Defra’s Packaging Strategy ‘Making the most of packaging’.

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) welcomes the broad outline of Defra’s Packaging Strategy ‘Making the most of packaging: A strategy for a low-carbon economy’ and commends the affirmation given to the positive role packaging plays in society.

Anthony Roberts, Senior Executive – Public Affairs, BPF says: “Plastics packaging plays an essential role in reducing waste and maximising the efficient use of resources, it is great to see that the Defra strategy acknowledges this fact and that even the title ‘Making the most of packaging’ recognizes the many benefits that the efficient use of packaging can offer society’.

The BPF support the call for higher levels of recycling and looks forward to being consulted on producer responsibility targets for plastics recycling. Plastics bottle recycling rates increased significantly in recent years. Furthermore, with advances in separation and recycling technologies there are increased opportunities to improve the recycling of other post-consumer plastics waste. It is imperative, however, that recycling rates are realistic and achievable.

Whilst there are opportunities to disseminate best practice guidance on designing packaging for recyclability into packaging, such design for recycling must not come at the expense the packaging’s effectiveness or resource efficiency and it is important that the full life cycle and environmental impact of the packaging and the goods packaged are considered. There are instances, for example, when using multilayer materials, which may be more difficult to recycle, can in the long run be more environmentally beneficial due to their lightweight.

Regarding the investment made by packaging producers to improve recycling and collection the BPF commends Defra on its objective to improve transparency in producer funding and reviewing the role of compliance schemes. It is important that the substantial sums of money contributed by packaging manufactures are used efficiently to improve recycling and collection, and that these monies can be clearly audited.

The BPF expresses disappointment that no action is being taken to centralise UK waste management and to take it out of the diverse control of individual local authorities. The European countries with the highest recycling levels all have centralised waste management systems which allow significant economies of scale to be harnessed.

ENDS

For further information on this press release, please contact Anthony Roberts, British Plastics Federation, 6 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3JE, tel 020 7457 5043, fax 020 7457 5045, email: [email protected]

Notes for editors:

1) British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the UK trade association for the plastics industry - representing the whole supply chain including polymer producers, distributors, additives suppliers, machinery manufacturers, processors and recyclers.

2) For information on all forthcoming BPF Seminars and Trade Shows please visit www.bpfevents.co.uk