the-uks-packaging-revolution

1. The UK’s packaging revolution Summary: The UK has a problem with plastic. 3.7 million tonnes of plastic are used every year, according to trade organisation, Plastics Europe. More than a third of UK plastic comes from supermarkets, therefore many feel there is an onus on these retailers to drive the change against plastic. Small scale, alternative packaging initiatives are being trialled, but can they be up-scaled to a national level? And does it really answer the bigger problem of single-use packaging? TEXT: In 2018, UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced the government’s aim to“eliminate all avoidable plastic waste” by 2043. Whilst admirable, many feel this isn’t soon enough. The UK uses 3.7 million tonnes of plastic a year, according to trade organisation Plastics Europe. Previously, the UK exported its plastic waste to China to be recycled, but with China changing its recycling policy, this will impact on what can be sent, potentially creating a major plastic landfill issue for the UK. Alternative destinations for Europe’s plastic waste have been found but it is increasingly apparent that the environmental damage is unacceptable. Whilst seeking alternative recycling options will help in the short term, a shift in plastic use is required in the UK to truly improve the issue, and manufacturers have a key part to play in this. More than 2.5bn plastic-lined paper cups are clogging up the UK’s waste system every year because they can’t be recycled. High street coffee chains have listened to pleas from environmental groups and the majority have since launched schemes where discounts are offered to customers who bring in their own reusable cup. Independent coffee chain, Boston Tea Party, has gone so far as to stop providing single-use takeaway coffee cups, with customers either able to buy a reusable cup, or having to dine in for their coffee. At the same time, Britain also goes through almost eight billion plastic bottles per year, with the amount increasing by seven per cent every year. Campaigners such as Hugh Fearnley- Whittingstall are urging for manufacturers and retailers to move away from single-use plastic packaging. Many feel there is an onus on supermarkets to drive the change against plastic in the UK. More than a third of UK plastic comes from supermarkets, so there is a real opportunity here to change the country’s use of plastic. Currently, the amount of supermarket goods wrapped in plastic vastly outnumbers loose produce. There is demand from consumers for alternative or zero packaging, but the goods on sale are currently charged at a premium. UK supermarkets are beginning to introduce plastic free initiatives. Waitrose was the first supermarket to trial a package-free shopping experience. Customers are encouraged to use their own containers for products such as fruit and vegetables, dry goods and cleaning products. It has also created the ‘world’s first’ compostable, ready-meal packaging for its own label produce. As a result, this has removed nine million products out of black plastic and saving 158 tonnes. Its new cream-coloured containers are fibre-based, and are home compostable. It is also Forest Stewardship Council certified, creating a 50 per cent saving in C02 emissions, as well as being recyclable.

2. Iceland supermarket has also created an ambitious target of being plastic-free by 2023. The company is innovating by using plant-based wraps and containers. Nigel Broadhurst, joint managing director of Iceland, explained why the company is innovating its ready meal packaging offering: "It is currently in a black plastic tray. That black plastic is the worst possible option in terms of toxins going into the ground and the ability to recycle that product.” The supermarket also wants to change its fruit and veg packaging, with Broadhurst continuing: "Take oranges, they come in a net; apples come in a plastic bag. It doesn't take a lot of shift to expect that you could put an orange net round an apple." With 80 per cent of Iceland shoppers endorsing the supermarket’s drive towards plastic free packaging, it is clear that the movement will be supported. It also is a feasible option. Austrian biogenic packaging company, VPZ Verpackungszentrum, has developed fruit and vegetable nets made from beech tree pulp. Organic vegetable box delivery company, Riverford, believes it was the first British company to start using this type of net back in 2017. As the nets are made from a natural by-product of the forestry industry, they are an environmentally friendly option. It is clear that there are options available to make the transition towards plastic-free packaging. The challenge facing manufacturers, retailers and suppliers is the ability to up-scale from small, controlled trials of plastic free initiatives to large-scale supply chains. The longer term challenge is also to transition away from single-use packaging completely, as even environmentally-friendly plant based solutions eventually have a detrimental impact if sources are used heavily. Retailers and production chains cannot ignore this movement towards plastic alternatives. Consumer desire for change in the UK will only likely grow. It is unrealistic, however, to think that the use of plastic can be abolished completely. But as a hard-wearing, versatile material, supply chains should seek to use plastic more effectively. It is likely to still be a vital material for transportation components in shipping and delivery. Ultimately, the retailers and supply chains that find a sustainable solution to the UK’s plastic issue will win favour with business and consumer customers.