Here are just a few reasons why businesses are interested in keeping packaging as minimal as possible:

1. To meet Government regulations


• Packaging Waste Regulations 2007 show more
  Any company who has a turnover of £2 million or above and who handles over 50 tonnes of packaging in a calendar year, must pay a contribution towards and show that packaging waste has been recovered and recycled to meet national targets.

  The UK recycled over six million tonnes of packing waste in 2006 as a result of these regulations.

  The Packaging Waste Regulations are complex, but more information can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk and www.valpak.co.uk

• Essential requirements
  These requirements aim to minimise the amount of waste packaging generated at source and ensure that packaging can be reused, recovered or recycled. show more

  All companies who pack their products in packaging for the UK market must ensure that:

  • Packaging volume and weight must be the minimum amount to maintain necessary levels of safety, hygiene and acceptance for the packed product and for the consumer
  • Packaging must be manufactured to allow reuse or recovery in accordance with specific requirements
  • Noxious or hazardous substances in packaging must be minimised in emissions, ash or leachate from incineration or landfill

  If you think something has been over packaged, then visit the packaging submission form and tell us about it.