Tighter controls promised on excessive pack materials

Proposals by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to tighten standards on excessive packaging may be a blatant case of 'overpackaging' themselves.

In June, environment secretary Hilary Benn presented a new packaging strategy, suggesting that "enforcement action" against manufacturers responsible for "excessive or unnecessary packaging" should be made easier.

But DEFRA emphasises that this is not a proposed change in legislation. A spokeswoman explained: "We'd like to tighten up the existing criteria for Trading Standards so that, no matter where in the country, action can be taken against excessive packaging. This clearer guidance could lead to prosecution, but we'd try to arrive at a voluntary solution with the manufacturer."

Basic provisions already exist under the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations. But according to the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (Incpen), these could be more effectively enforced. "When Trading Standards officers visit companies for other reasons, we'd like them to ask whether their packaging is in line with the Essential Requirements," said director Jane Bickerstaffe.

Currently, though, the regulations cover the minimum level of packaging required to maintain levels of consumer acceptance, as well as safety and hygiene. Bickerstaffe is concerned about DEFRA's efforts to amend EU legislation to remove this "consumer acceptance" clause, which could outlaw promotional or gift packaging.

Meanwhile, Benn has scripted in a stronger role for the DEFRA-funded Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP). Paul Davidson, special advisor (plastics) at WRAP, acknowledged that the organisation had always worked closely with the supply chain. "But we want to drive this close relationship wider and deeper to other sectors, but also with local authorities, compliance schemes and waste management companies."

As a part of this measure, WRAP will have a pivotal role in a new Packaging Sustainability Network, co-ordinated by Incpen. This will aim to fill the gap left by the Packaging Recycling Action Group in seeking viable, sustainable systems in areas such as recycling. It will bring together raw material suppliers, converters, manufacturers, local and national government and waste management specialists.

However, Bickerstaffe commented: "It would be very helpful if DEFRA and WRAP, rather than just the industry, could put out a more positive consumer message about the role of packaging."