Retailers are working together across the UK to develop a system of standardised labels which clearly displays what packaging is recyclable.
The labels are intended to be easy to understand and as a result encourage consumers to recycle, as well as helping the government reach its waste reduction targets.
Retailers believe that the current range of logos and messages on products frustrates the consumer, as it is difficult to know what can and can’t be recycled.
Working together with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and The Waste and Resources Actions Programme (WRAP), they want to replace multiple logos with a single one, which will indicate whether the packaging is widely recyclable, if the consumer should check locally, or if the packaging is not currently recyclable within that borough.
WRAP and the BRC are working closely with the government, as well as local authorities and manufacturers to ensure the scheme is accepted across the UK, and plan widespread use early in 2008.
BRC director general Kevin Hawkins said that the effectiveness of the proposals to date showed how voluntary action could achieve more in a shorter period of time than legislation.
“Retailers recognise that they are uniquely placed to change customer’s behaviour and help the government achieve its waste reduction targets,” said Hawkins.
However, he also warned of the difficulties facing the scheme. “Ideally, material that is recyclable in one area would be recyclable everywhere, but, so far, it isn’t.
“Local inconsistencies cannot be allowed to thwart a standardised label which will help millions of customers and mean more of what can be recycled is collected,” he concluded.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
