BPF tells government about plastic packaging

 
The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has highlighted the importance of rigid plastics packaging in its response to the UK Government’s consultation on the Waste Prevention Programme for England.

Jonathan Bloom, the BPF’s senior executive industry issues, said: “Today’s plastics packaging is up to 80% lighter than it was 20 years ago whilst still maintaining the same or better technical performance.

“This is the result of technological innovation on the part of raw material producers and processors, together with forward leaps in design, tooling and processing. Whilst still ensuring packaging is able to carry out its primary function of protecting a product through all stages of the supply, distribution and use phrase,” he added.

“It is important that UK Government recognises that plastics packaging is incredibly resource efficient and is not only responsible for a minimal use of physical resources its durability and sealabilty protects goods from deterioration and increases s their shelf life. It is an incredibly effective agent in the fight against reducing food waste.”

The response highlighted the importance of industry-led voluntary initiatives as illustrated by the latest Plastics 2020 Challenge achievement. In the last two years, funding from Plastics 2020 has allowed the Marine Conservation Society to deliver 157 Cool Seas road shows, an educational programme aimed at children to raise awareness of the irresponsibility of littering in the marine environment.