How Effective Are Single Use Plastic Bans?
In a bid to change habits and reduce environmental damage, the British Government has banned several single-use plastic items in recent years. The most recent enforcements were introduced in October 2023 and included plastic cutlery, drinking straws and polystyrene food containers. In response to these measures producers and retailers were forced to source alternatives that […]
Why Switch From Plastic Packaging?
Did you know that 74% of the UK population favour a reduction in plastic packaging use? As a result, many of us are actively looking for brands that use alternative packaging materials. So, a growing number of producers and retailers are switching to more sustainable options. However, the latest data shows we have a long […]
Green Initiatives
Ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and waste require investment in green technologies and incentives to encourage sustainable practices. The Plastic Packaging Tax is one initiative aimed at convincing manufacturers and retailers to embrace alternative packaging materials. But, does it go far enough or do we need more green initiatives? Investment in Green Initiatives The UK […]
The Future of Packaging
The future of packaging looks set to be a balancing act. Brands want sustainable alternatives to plastic and ways to engage with buyers. However, they also need solutions that are functional and cost-effective. So, as a packaging manufacturer, how do we tick all the boxes? A Future Less Reliant on Plastic Packaging The future of […]
Count Your Plastic Packaging
A recent YouGov poll reveals that 71% of consumers think retailers and supermarkets use too much packaging. If you agree that there is too much packaging waste, what action can you take to drive change? Reduce and Recycle to Minimise Packaging Waste The majority of consumers are aware of the environmental impact of excessive and/or […]
Environmental Good News
We know that there are many environmental issues impacting our world. However, many of us have made multiple changes to reduce the escalation of environmental problems. So, are our efforts making a difference? Let us share some environmental good news! Prioritising Sustainability Over recent years, a growing number of our customers have stated sustainability as […]
Rethinking Food Packaging
Consumers want appealing fresh food, at the perfect ripeness and with a decent shelf life. However, they are also keen to avoid chemical preservatives and plastic packaging. With tonnes of fruit and veg being shipped around the globe daily, can rethinking food packaging provide a solution? Alternative Food Packaging Getting our 5-a-day is easier when […]
Hanging Up the Plastic Packaging
Many brands are taking action to reduce the volume of plastic packaging used to display and deliver products. One of the latest moves has been taken by Sainsbury’s, with Tu Baby Clothing now being presented on cardboard hangers. Cardboard Hangers Replace Plastic Packaging Clothing sold in High Street stores, supermarkets and independent boutiques is typically […]
Ditch or Switch Plastic Packaging
July is Plastic Free Month! The perfect time to make long-term changes, as an individual, a business or a community, to ditch or switch plastic packaging. Small Changes to Reduce Plastic Packaging Waste Can small changes have an impact? You may believe that the scale of the issue is too big for your changes to […]
Is Plastic Packaging is Recycled?
When we separate waste and dispose of plastic packaging in recycling bins, we expect it will be collected and recycled into new plastic products. Is this the case? UK Plastic Recycling Rates The British Plastics Federation publishes data* on plastic recovery and recycling rates. As a result, we know there is positive news; investment in […]
The Plastic Packaging Problem
It’s Plastic Free July, so we’re exploring the waste problem and some simple steps that can be taken to switch away from single-use plastic packaging. How Much Plastic Packaging is Recycled in the UK? The UK disposes of 2 million metric tons of plastic waste every year, many of it is product packaging. Soft drinks, […]
Plastic Tax & How to Avoid Paying
Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue. Discarded plastic packaging is building up across all parts of the planet, even littering remote locations where plastic has never been produced. The Plastic Tax aims to initiate change among plastic packaging manufacturers and importers. Will your business have to pay the Plastic Tax and how can you […]
Removing Plastic Packaging from Bananas
France has placed a ban on plastic packaging for the majority of fruit and veg, which commences in the New Year. Whilst dramatic actions like this are necessary to turn the tide on environmental damage, there are concerns that such actions may increase food waste and contamination. In the UK, smaller-scale actions are being undertaken. […]
Is Plastic Recycling the Answer?
It is difficult to avoid plastic when shopping. Even with the best intentions, there are many products stocked or delivered in plastic packaging. The great news is that packaging labels inform us of which plastics can be recycled. This means we can do our bit to put them in the correct bin and ensure they […]
Reducing Plastic Packaging: Who is Responsible?
We all know that the excessive use of plastic packaging poses a significant problem. Our rivers, seas, beaches and countryside are being filled with non-biodegradable packaging. Greater action needs to be taken, but who is responsible? Is it down to Government policymakers, manufacturers, retailers or shoppers to reduce the consumption of plastic packaging? Government Policy […]
Wish you Were Here?
Through most of the lockdown period, the UK has experienced unseasonably good weather. If you have a garden or can get out for local walks, it is delightful. Still, many people pine for a day at the seaside. There is nothing like water stretching to the horizon, sand between your toes and a little dip […]
Are Supermarkets Fulfilling the Pledge to Cut Plastic Packaging?
As a supplier, are you still wrapping your goods in plastic packaging? As a retailer, are you taking action to encourage your suppliers to cut out excessive plastic use? Many shoppers, independent shops and small-scale producers are making a conscious effort to reduce plastic use and plastic waste. Quick to respond to consumer demand and […]
Addicted to Plastic: Kicking the Habit
It has been estimated that 850 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gases will enter the atmosphere, as a result of plastic production, this year alone. Plastic starts extraction of fossil fuels and ends up contributing to environmental damage. In addition to emissions, animals and humans are now consuming micro-particles of plastic in the food we […]
Packaging Under Fire
For many years, Amazon was criticised for excessive packaging. The smallest of products were often sent in large cardboard boxes. In response to this, the global company tried attaching delivery labels to product packaging, which completely removed the need for boxes. This was a simple solution, but many complaints were received around Christmas, where the […]
Can Food Packaging be Plastic-free?
Food packaging is a particular challenge in the bid to rid the world of plastic. It is fair to say that plastic can play a vital role in helping to keep food fresher for longer. In this respect, it reduces food waste, another environmental problem. Whilst there are a growing number of bio-degradable alternatives to […]
Spring into Action
From Friday 22 March until Tuesday 23 April, individuals and groups across the UK will be hosting and supporting litter picking events across the UK. Awareness of the damaging effect of rubbish, particularly plastic waste, the Great British Spring Clean aims to get us all out making a positive contribution to our local environment. Cleaning […]
Take Action to Increase Sustainability
David Attenborough has inspired millions to take an interest in the natural world. In recent years, his documentaries have not only shown stunning shots of wildlife and habitats from around the world, but also raised awareness of environmental challenges. The Blue Planet II series played a fundamental part in highlighting the issues relating to plastic […]
Plastic Packaging and the Environmental Plan
Details of the Governments 25 Year Environmental Plan are to be shared in the coming weeks. There’s no doubt that high profile issues surrounding marine pollution and the Paris Climate Agreement Targets have to be tackled. Drastic measures are needed to encourage sustainable production and consumption, so we have to expect incentives and levies that […]
Kids Tackle Packaging Waste
How do you encourage young people to bin their litter? The Government is considering the introduction of a ‘reward and return’ scheme. A financial incentive could certainly help to increase plastic bottle recycling, but is it enough? When it comes to young people, peer influence could be the key to changing attitudes and altering behaviour. […]
