MP calls for more recycled content in packaging

The Southampton Test MP, who in February called for the introduction of a ‘Renewable Content Obligation' which would require some packaging, such as plastic bottles, to contain a minimal level of recycled material by law (see letsrecycle.com story), made the comments while touring the state-of-the-art £12 million Dagenham facility.

During the visit, Dr Whitehead was told that certain parts of the packaging industry were not taking up the current supply of recycled material available to replace virgin content.

Commenting at the Closed Loop plant, Dr Whitehead said: “Retailers and packaging manufacturers have a responsibility to the public and the environment to ensure they are doing all they can to sustain the life of the packaging they produce, thus preventing thousands of tonnes of this resource ending up in landfill or being exported overseas.

“It is quite clear that here in the UK we now have the technology to ensure that viable alternatives to virgin materials can be produced for packaging use, such as plastic bottles. But it seems that some parts of the industry are not fulfilling their obligation and are instead continuing to use virgin instead of recycled material. The milk packaging industry in particular is way behind in this respect,” he added.

Although the Renewable Content Obligation bill is not expected to become law – having been introduced as a 10 Minute Rule Bill-it is intended to draw attention to the need to develop secure markets for domestic recycled content. The bill is set to go for its Second Reading in the House of Commons on October 16 2009.

Closed Loop

Dr Whitehead was given a full tour of the Closed Loop facility by managing director Chris Dow and discussed the need for packaging companies to “step up to the mark” with regards to adopting more recycled content.

Mr Dow said: “We are delighted that Alan came to the plant to see for himself that, with the right technology, consumer packaging waste is a resource that can be turned into valuable material to be reused by the packaging industry.”

“But in order to really ‘close the loop' on recycling in the UK, it requires full commitment on all sides to ensure there is enough supply and demand to keep the wheel turning. Consumers are increasingly doing their bit by recycling more and more of their household waste. Some sectors of the packaging industry still need to step up to the mark,” he added.

The 35,000 tonnes-a-year capacity Closed Loop plant in Dagenham opened in June 2008, after receiving private equity finance and grants from the Waste & Resources Action Programme and the London Development Agency (see letsrecycle.com story).