Environment

The political conference jamboree was in full swing as Packaging News went to press and each of the three main parties made sure they addressed the public’s concerns about packaging.

The Conservatives have probably had the most to say about packaging, particularly in their Quality of Life policy report, followed by the Liberal Democrats.

Ming’s lot showed the least mercy as far as our industry is concerned. One could be forgiven for believing that the current government already has it in for packaging, what with ministers asking the European Commission to tighten up the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations.

But this is clearly not enough for the Lib Dems, who said the government had not addressed “with sufficient vigour” the need to cut packaging and called for “binding targets” on reduction to replace the voluntary Courtauld Commitment.

I often think our politicians, with a few notable exceptions, are confused about packaging’s role in society. It’s not surprising that opportunist MPs with an eye on a ministerial role will follow the public mood and pick on packaging rather than, say, car use, but some of their opinions are so cross-contaminated that they should come with a hazard warning.

If you doubt my word, take a look at current parliamentary early day motions on packaging (http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/Search.aspx). Here, you will see that many MPs think it’s fine to sign a motion condemning packaging manufacturers for excessive packaging while backing another that highlights the contribution the packaging industry makes to protecting and preserving goods.

While in some cases the argument for or against packaging is not black and white, it seems some of our representatives are doing their utmost to keep everyone happy.

This lack of knowledge and clarity doesn’t convince me that packaging will be given a fair hearing under any of our political leaders.