Environment

The government's upcoming packaging strategy is set to include a refocusing of targets to deliver better environmental benefits and better communication of how recycling systems work and are funded through the packaging recovery note (PRN) system.

Judicaelle Hammond, head of producer responsibility at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), told Incpen's autumn meeting yesterday (19 November) that the strategic review of packaging policy was being carried out in the context of the 2007 Waste Strategy for England.

While Hammond could not reveal an exact publication date – ministers are still examining the finer points – she was keen to lay out the current thinking which centres on packaging optimisation and greater recycling.

"We want innovation and development to service the growing demand for recycled content in products," she said.

There will be continued focus on environmental design and lightweighting through voluntary agreements to get "real reductions" in packaging.

The government also wants to increase the quantity and quality of recycled material used, but would be taking a material-by-material approach. "We want to get businesses and local authorities viewing packaging waste as a resource," added Hammond.

She said it was also important to "provide more of an explanation of what MRFs do" to help residents and local authorities understand the demands placed on them. "The PRN system is working, but we need to make the revenues more visible to local authorities," she added.

Hammond said the government wanted to "future proof" the strategy by taking a ten-year view, and in light of the fact that a review of the European packaging directive was likely, although not confirmed, in 2014.

She added that there would likely be consultations on specific policy proposals in 2009/10 and would welcome the industry's input.