UK Calls For Tighter Packaging Control

The UK has asked the European Commission to tighten a loophole in EU packaging law that allows companies to use excessive amounts of packaging.

The EU directive allows companies to claim the packaging is necessary to gain 'consumer acceptance' and 'product presentation and marketing'.

In a letter to EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas in May, then UK Environment Secretary David Milliband suggested a review of the directive as UK consumers felt 'very strongly' about excessive packaging.

In the letter, which was obtained by industry website letsrecycle.com, Milliband told the commissioner of the UK's plans to amend packaging producer responsibility regulations in an effort to clamp down on excess packaging.

Milliband pointed out just four companies have been prosecuted for excess packaging in the ten years the directive has been in force in the UK.

He says a review should be considered so that member states' authorities can take "more effective enforcement action against clear cases of excess packaging".
Source: packaging-technology