Chris Dow: Brands must unite to make Courtauld 2 a reality

At Closed Loop Recycling we very much welcome the latest Courtauld Commitment 2 targets, which rightly go beyond simple weight-based targets for waste reduction, and comes hot on the heels of the Department Energy and Climate Change announcement this week to offer “Green loans” for householders to improve domestic sustainability. Both are certainly moves in the right direction.

In the past five years, our domestic recycling industry has made unprecedented gains in developing the technology and infrastructure required to make rubies out of rubbish; that is turning waste into a valuable resource.

There’s no doubt that demand for sustainable packaging solutions from big brands and retailers and support for domestic recycling is higher than ever, which all helps close the loop. In fact, Marks & Spencer’s pioneering partnership with local authorities to improve kerbside recycling and its commitment to spend £1.25 million over five years with Somerset County Council’s Waste Partnership is a prime example of how retailers and local authorities can work together to make great strides in recycling and waste management.

Increasing our collection and recycling rates is entirely possible as evidenced by the work of Rochford District Council who, by providing a consumer friendly collection system, already recycle at least 70% of household waste in their area.

I believe that the only way to ensure that those gains are maintained and the promises of the Courtauld Commitment 2 are delivered, is for three-way commitment.

Firstly, big brands and retailers must commit to continue, and even increase, the use of recycled content in their packaging. Secondly, local authorities must commit to ensure kerbside collection of waste is maintained to the highest possible standard. Finally, government agencies such as DEFRA and the Environment Agency must look to seriously reform outdated systems such as Packaging Recovery Notes to insure the industry continues to attract the investment in the infrastructure so desperately needed. 

Only then can the UK succeed in taking full responsibility for its own waste and delivering on its national targets.

Packaging News wants to hear your views on the latest version of the Courtauld Commitment. Leave your comments below or write to packagingnews.editorial@haymarket.com

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