News

United Biscuits (UB) is on track to meet packaging reduction targets introduced last year in line with the Food and Drink Federation's Five-fold Environmental Ambition.

Since 2003, UB has reduced its packaging by 13% and is working towards the FDF's target to reduce packaging by 20% by 2015, compared to 2003.

The UK-headquartered company has re-engineered its multi-packs of Hula Hoops so they can be more efficiently packed into cardboard cases.

As a result, UB has saved a total of 400 tonnes of corrugated cardboard cases, which has reduced the number of pallets by 40,700 per year and lorry movements by 783 journeys in 2008.

Jacob's has also changed the packaging for its Biscuits for Cheese brand from the original 500g plastic tubs to a 250g carton board box, which has saved the company 300 tonnes of plastic a year.

The FDF's Five-fold Environmental Ambition also outlines targets for reducing carbon emissions, food transport miles, waste-to-landfill and water use.

"By making operational as well as behavioural changes we have improved the way we use resources and have reduced waste," said UB's chief operating officer Jeff van der Eems.

He said: "Our employees have led the way with over 200 ideas, a third of which have already been implemented."

UB operates 11 out of its 15 manufacturing operations in the UK. Its brands include McVitie's, Penguin, Jacob's, Twiglets, Hula Hoops and KP Nuts among others.