Central government’s aspirations are to be commended, especially when it comes to packaging products. Its Waste Review recognised the role packaging has played in reducing waste to landfill and driving up recycling rates.
But there is a groundswell of opinion that the document, published in June, is long on words and short on details. The packaging industry is frequently portrayed as the bad guy when it comes to rubbish, but the reality is that, while there’s still work to be done, it’s record is one that stands up to scrutiny. We explore reactions to the review on page 7.
Reducing carbon emissions has been another subject high on the government’s green agenda, with energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne keen to push through incredibly ambitious emission targets – a 50% cut by 2025.
While the Waste Review may have raised the odd eyebrow, this commitment caused jaws to drop in the packaging manufacturing industry. The feeling is that the targets are unrealistic and could damage the sector.
But businesses do have to seriously consider reducing their carbon output, as Simon Creasey reports on page 14. There are companies making serious inroads in cutting their CO2 and there are practical measures firms can take to ensure that they keep up with government thinking.
Meanwhile every brand, designer and manufacturer is finding their own innovative way to reduce their impact on the environment. This supplement has showcased three examples of packaging that have ticked several green boxes.
Of course, every product needs its own unique solution to minimise its environmental impact – but we hope you find inspiration and ideas in this supplement to help your own company or product improve its environmental performance.
Most of all, we hope you enjoy this supplement and take from it that when it comes to cutting society’s carbon footprint, packaging has much to be proud of.
Philip Chadwick is features editor of Packaging News
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