DEFRA Survey - Mandatory Recyclability Labelling for packaging
17 July 2019
Defra’s Resources and Waste Strategy (RWS) set out a goal to introduce consistent labelling on packaging so that consumers know what they can recycle. WRAP, Defra and other stakeholders are keen to understand the potential cost, timescale and other practical considerations to introducing mandatory labelling on all consumer packaging placed on the UK market, and has commissioned a study to gather information via a research survey.
The survey is being delivered by Frith Resource Management (www.frithrm.com). Your input and contribution to the research is welcomed by 9th August via the following link, telephone discussion or face-to-face meeting.
Please click on the following link to access the survey – https://forms.gle/ctwZ3QXLaXUekz7u6
Or contact Cherie Whiteman on 07808 646019 / 01746 552423, or via email [email protected]
The industry position
The position developed by BEAMA with the Joint Trade Association (JTA) group, developed for the EPR packaging consultation, stated that JTA members do not support labelling of packaging for non-food and drink items. For four reasons:
- Firstly, evidence suggests that consumer comprehension of labelling information generally is poor.
- Secondly, Packs comprise a number of components, with varying ‘recyclability’. There is seldom a simple overall message.
- Thirdly, most packs already contain a large amount of information, either required by other legislation, or as necessary to guide the consumer. Squeezing more advice onto the existing label may not convey the message.
- Fourth, and most important, this would create a specific UK label. If EU membership or rules were to continue to apply, such packs could not be sold in the EU single market – France has already tried to mandate a recyclable label that the EC has ruled against. Having a UK specific pack will add costs and hamper distribution flexibility.
2019-15-05 European Commission Circular Plastics Alliance
Making plastics more circular to avoid plastic littering into the environment is a priority for the European Union. Recycling more plastics is a key solution.
The Circular Plastics Alliance gathers key stakeholders in the plastics value chains to promote new voluntary action by industry for more recycled plastics. The Circular Plastics Alliance wants to ensure that 10 million tons of recycled plastics find their way into new European products by 2025.
The Alliance has confirmed commitment to work together along the plastics value chains and ensure that 10 million tons of recycled plastics are used in the EU by 2025.
They agreed to work in priority on 5 topics:
- Collection and sorting of plastic waste
- Product design for recycling
- Recycled plastic content in products
- R&D and investments, including chemical recycling
- Monitoring of recycled plastics sold in the EU
Companies are being offered the chance to pledge committements to this target and work to include recycled content within plastic products and packaging. Orgalim are engaging with this work and have writtten the below outlining key factors that need to be considered in future pledges and work under the Alliance.
