Supermarkets accused of short-changing suppliers on packaging

As well as the increased cost of changing formats, productivity fell because it took 20-30% longer to close the bags.

Action Aid also told of an Indian cashew nut manufacturer that found itself "stuck with an order" because a supermarket decided to change the packaging material after the product had already been packaged.

Another supplier told the CC that different specifications for similar packaging formats were not always reflected in the price paid by the supermarket.

And a UK farmer criticised supermarket promotions for creating "a mountain of unnecessary packaging", for which they should be charged.

"Supermarkets should be made to pay towards the costs of the recycling problem," the farmer said.

The CC plans to issue its provisional findings in September and publish a final report by February 2008.

Click here for more information about the grocery market inquiry.

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