Industry questions toy focus in non-food Courtauld plans

Incpen director Jane Bickerstaffe and Packaging Federation chief executive Dick Searle have highlighted the fact that a lot of toy packaging comes from the Far East although acknowledged that it was an area that some developments were needed.

Defra minister Caroline Spelman told today’s Independent newspaper of her “frustration” with the amount of packaging used, particularly in the toy and entertainment industries.

“While we don’t want damaged goods or anything which will compromise the safety of food, I do question how much packaging is necessary and how much is marketing,” she said.

Bickerstaffe said that toy packaging needed improvement more in terms of user-friendliness rather than the environment.

“If you look at the amount of packaging used for toys it’s about 5,000 tonnes, which is about 0.3% of all packaging used. Even if you could halve it you won’t make a big impact,” she said.

Searle, meanwhile, highlighted the fact that the majority of toys sold in the UK is made in the Far East and were distributed to a number of countries, which made the task of changing the packaging difficult.

“We would support cuts to sensible levels of packaging whilst still fulfilling its role in the supply chain and providing appropriate gift credentials. Part of the role of toy packaging is the presentation,” he said.

Waste policy
Spelman’s comments come ahead of a review of the UK’s waste policy that is likely to begin in September.

A Defra spokesman told Packaging News: “By producing less waste in the first place you have less to deal with in terms of recycling.

“Developing recycling is more than getting people to put things in the right box and is about things such as having the right infrastructure in place.”

Spelman’s interview is perhaps cause for concern in the packaging industry. In a comment left on this website, Alan Cox said: “Sadly, but not surprisingly, it looks as we have another ill informed Minister to contend with, when are they going to communicate rather than dictate?”

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