Sonoco (NYSE: SON), has announced the publishing of a white paper which analyses what it really means to be a responsible producer. The paper examines multiple ways in which the UK could improve its packaging recycling rates, going far beyond the scope of the proposed extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation.
The UK Government’s proposed EPR legislation seeks to boost recycling rates in the UK, and to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill for incineration. Through its white paper, Sonoco offers a background into the current recycling landscape in the UK – and addresses some of the challenges and trends, including a ‘postcode lottery’ and complete lack of consistency around the country when with recycling processes and accepted materials.
The subject of waste exports is also addressed – including the worrying lack of accountability for how this waste is disposed of, and the fact that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find export destinations which will accept it.
The environmental impact of food waste is also addressed, from barrier films to preserve shelf life, to emptiability to ensure minimal food waste is disposed with its packaging.
“We’re in complete agreement with the overall intent of the EPR legislation,” says Seàn Cairns, Vice President and General Manager at Sonoco Consumer Products Europe, “but a degree of nuance and flexibility is crucial. To build a true picture of what a ‘responsible producer’ looks like, there is a lot more to consider than the type of packaging material they use. Creating recyclable packaging is important, but it is just one aspect of being responsible and sustainable. An EPR scheme that truly encourages responsible production should look at the full picture. With this paper we have set out what that full picture looks like.”
For more information on the white paper, visit: www.sonocoeurope.com/epr
