PN survey urges Courtauld rethink

However, the organisation said there would shortly be discussions on "the future focus of the agreement", which could include how packaging optimisation could be measured.

The majority of respondents to the internet survey found the CC too vague, and progress against its targets too difficult to measure.

More than 80% said the CC encouraged retailers and brand owners to focus on quick wins, rather than look at the most suitable packaging for each product, while more than half said it should be replaced by statutory targets.

The voluntary commitment by retailers and brand owners to reduce packaging was launched in 2005 by Wrap. It includes three objectives: designing out packaging waste growth by 2008, absolute reductions in packaging waste by 2010, and tackling the problem of food waste.

Nearly two-thirds of the 100-plus respondents to the survey thought Wrap should focus on packaging optimisation and recycled content, rather than reduction. Wrap agreed, stating that using the right amount of the most appropriate packaging through the supply chain to get the product to the consumer should be the main aim.

"Protecting the product is at the heart of this to ensure that we do not increase food waste," said a Wrap spokesperson.

Despite weight-based landfill targets, Wrap also has a broader remit to promote resource efficiency.

"We also take into account carbon impacts, which is why reduction of waste is above recycling in the waste hierarchy," the spokesperson added.

Wrap is also concerned about improving the recyclability and re-use of packaging materials.

Packaging Federation chief executive Dick Searle praised the CC for providing a forum to discuss packaging. However, he said its focus should always have been "optimisation, not minimisation".

More than 90% of respondents said the CC should be extended to include waste from the foodservice sector and household waste, which Wrap said fell outside its current programme of activity. However, there are some overlaps. For example, the work to lightweight beer and wine bottles has reduced the amount of packaging used in the on-trade.

Main survey findings

• 84% said Courtauld had made packaging a high-profile issue for brands and retailers
• 59% said Wrap chose the correct targets for Courtauld
• 93% said Courtauld should include waste from the foodservice sector
• 54% said the voluntary commitment should be replaced by statutory targets

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