National newspaper campaigns and a flurry of parliamentary Early Day Motions (EDMs) targetting 'excessive packaging' have underlined the need for a revitalised watchdog in this area, says the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN).
INCPEN believes that further regulation is unnecessary. Director Jane Bickerstaffe argues that an industry-funded watchdog could and should scrutinise any alleged cases of overpackaging. But she adds: "It would be useful if, on this occasion, government part-funded the initiative. That would be the right level of instrument to apply."
The opinions of a watchdog would contribute to public understanding about when packaging does play a useful role, argues Bickerstaffe.