Closing the loop –retailers’ perspectives

Nicola JenkinRetail Programme, WRAP

What is happening in the retail sector?50% of household waste from retail

Drivers for change …

Retailer ‘green wars’

strategic targets on:

– reduction in waste and packaging

– specifying recycled content / biodegradable packaging

– recyclability

Consumer engagement

recycling

kerbside collection

on-pack messages

media

Setting targets …

Courtauld Commitment: Retailers

The signatories commit to supporting WRAP in the achievement of its objectives, as follows:

• To design out packaging waste growth by 2008

• To deliver absolute reductions in packaging waste by 2010

• To identify ways to tackle the problem of food waste

90%

Some unilateral targets

25% packaging reduction (own-label food)

25% packaging reduction (all)

25% packaging reduction (non-glass)

15% packaging reduction (own-label)

5% all packaging reduction & 25% fresh produce

Achieving targets …

How do we choose?

carbo

n

weight can it b

e

recycled?recycled content

compostableconsumers

toxicity cost

Choosing different packaging … wine

glass carton aluminium plastic bag-in-box pouch

Sticking with glass …the good things

– lightweighting … it’s a big win

– consumers ‘like’ glass

– easy to recycle

– good recycled content

current concerns– container shortages

– increased breakages

– carbon impact and weight – other materials

closing the loop …

‘it’s what the consumers want’

no additional cost

value for money

achieve targets

needs to be responsible

At the end of the day …

thank you