Smaller firms look for help in sustainable pack choices

Faced with more choice than ever when it comes to 'environmentally responsible' packaging, many smaller food companies say the decision-making tools are simply not available.

Greater availability of biodegradable and 'degradable' polymers; more recycled content in plastics and board, as well as Forestry Stewardship Council accredited fibre, are complicating packaging choices.

Gary Parker, head of environment and waste at Pira International, says: "There's definitely a gap in the market for some sort of life cycle analysis (LCA) tool. But the reality for any assessment is inevitably going to be complex."

A commissioned LCA study, even of limited scope, is likely to cost at least £3,500, according to Dutch consultancy TNO. If a company were to buy assessment software such as PRé Consulting's SimaPro, this would cost around £1,200 for the simplest version.

In the UK, Pira says tools are available for around £40. Parker cautions: "These are general design tools, not packaging-specific ones. They would need to be developed and updated." But any simple method is also likely to lay itself open to accusations of 'oversimplification', he warns - notably from those material sectors which come out of it worse.

Sandwich company Daily Bread moved from board to biodegradable polylactide (PLA) partly because of shelf-life issues. But the decision was also based on questionable claims that a PLA pack would biodegrade in under 70 days in landfill.

Pret A Manger sustainability manager Nicki Fisher bemoans the "conflicting information" published about materials, and calls for "simple, clear advice" to be made available. Amy Robinson, sustainable development manager at restaurant and deli Bordeaux Quay, points out the need for a local perspective to any guidance.

The Environment Agency, which could take a lead with some of the broader issues, does not rule out such an advisory role.