It's now time to go green

I was struck recently by my daughter's horrified reaction to the vast quantities of packaging dumped at our local recycling point - she is definitely going to be a green consumer.

We have seen ethical consumerism highlighted as a major issue of importance for the future. Consumers are rejecting excess packaging and this is a key area where the food industry shows room for improvement.

At the end of last year, the Stern Review report on the Economics of Climate Change was published. It considered a whole raft of issues, including the need for behavioural change. Local authorities have had their role highlighted by the Local Authorities Coordinating Office on Regulatory Services. There is great emphasis on the role of Trading Standards in enforcing the regulations regarding excess packaging.

Last November environment minister Ben Bradshaw urged shoppers to report instances of excess packaging to Trading Standards in an attempt to cut the amount of unnecessary plastic sent to landfill sites.

Cambridgeshire County Council took action over tins of Giant Chocolate Fingers last year after receiving a number of complaints because biscuits measuring 116mm were sold in tins 167mm long. The company concerned was fined £7,000, including costs, for excessive packaging and breaches of the Trade Descriptions Act.

A large portion of the fine was for failing to comply with the requirement to supply compliance documentation within 28 days of the request from Trading Standards. Would you be able to deal with such demands?

Packaging minimisation is both a legal requirement and a growing consumer purchasing determinant. Be ready for any challenges you may face as this issue is further investigated by local authorities.

Kath Veal is international regulatory team leader at Leatherhead Food International​