Speaking at the recent annual conference of packaging waste compliance scheme Valpak, he said that while the UK is now meeting recovery targets, “the figures for packaging minimisation are not so encouraging with an increase in the tonnages arising in the UK.”
Mr Morley said the total had risen by 800,000 tonnes to more than 10 million tonnes last year. “We want to see a greater emphasis on prevention – reuse and prevention will have to move to centre stage.”
Defra officials are thought to be watching the figures closely with the largest increase seen in plastics. Because of the increasing tonnages the Advisory Committee on Packaging may be asked to look at how measures can be implemented to step up work on minismisation and waste prevention.
And, the minister suggested that WRAP – the Waste and Resources Action Programme – will also be asked to come up with ways for the consumer to reduce packaging. Mr Morley suggested that while a plastic bags tax is not on the cards, he had been impressed by the Irish ban because it had raised public awareness of waste.
Compliance schemes
The minister then turned to the role of compliance schemes in their relations with local authorities. He urged the schemes “to agree new and long-term arrangements with local authorities – we need to raise the UK's adequate recycling level to a new high.”
He praised Valpak for its work in helping to ensure packaging is recycled.
And, with the government currently consulting on its sustainable development the minister emphasised that the compliance scheme also had a “huge role to play in helping us develop our strategy”.
But, the minister also had some clear messages on how sustainable development and sustainable consumption and production should be taken forward. “We have to tackle economic growth and remove any link from environmental degradation.” And, Mr Morley posted the question: “How can we deliver more from less – get more vale added to the produce but uses resources and create less waste in the process?”
Getting the environmental message over to the consumer is the greatest challenge of all, he said. “This requires a cultural shift and it’s a contribution that everyone can make – every government department, to industry and every household.”
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