This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Retail packaging waste reduction
26/07/2005
Major Scottish retailers have made a commitment to reverse the growth and reduce the amount of packaging waste by 2010.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie today welcomed the commitment made by Asda, Boots, the Co-operative Group, Londis, Iceland, Marks & Spencer, Morrison's, Sainsbury's, Somerfield and Tesco.
The retailers signed an assurance with the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), who are managing the UK wide Courtauld Commitment, which aims to:
- Design out packaging waste growth by 2008
- Deliver absolute reductions in packaging waste by 2010
- Identify ways to tackle the problem of food waste.
Ross Finnie said:
"Packaging waste makes up to 25% of all domestic waste excluding garden waste.
"I am pleased to see the retail sector taking the issue of waste seriously. The generation of unnecessary waste is not only bad for the environment; it also has an economic cost.
"Last November the Scottish Executive announced the provision of £764,000 through the Retail Innovation Fund managed by WRAP. This fund is providing opportunities for Scottish companies to research and design new ways to minimise waste in packaging and product design."
WRAP promotes recycling and resource efficiency across the UK. Its main aims are to find markets for recycled materials and to undertake waste minimisation work. WRAP is funded by the Scottish Executive, DEFRA and the administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Businesses with a turnover of £2 million or more and who use over 50 tonnes of packaging per year are required, under packaging legislation, to recycle and/or recover some of their waste. Packaging recovery targets are currently 50 per cent, rising to 70 per cent from December 31, 2008.