WI protests against “excess packaging” in UK supermarkets

But, the campaign was condemned as “misguided” by retailers.

The National Federation of Women's Institutes said it was aiming to change the way supermarkets package food and raise awareness of the impact supermarkets have on the environment.

But the British Retail Consortium hit back today, saying supermarkets do not use more packaging than necessary, and that the use of packaging reduces the amount of food that is wasted.

WI
The WI – the largest women’s organisation in the UK with 215,000 members – had demanded that supermarkets do more to cut down on the use of carrier bags, use more biodegradable or compostable packaging and phase out certain types of packaging.

More than 100 different activities are being staged across England and Wales, with some WI members returning packaging to supermarkets, others wrapping themselves in cling film and many handing out information leaflets.

NFWI Chair Fay Mansell said: “WI members want supermarkets to reduce unnecessary packaging and put the environment first. I urge the public to join our campaign and return unnecessary and excessive packaging to supermarkets. Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our world today. Supermarkets must take action now to reduce the packaging which, as landfill waste, releases greenhouse gases.”

BRC
The British Retail Consortium said the planned protests were “based on misinformation”, arguing that packaging is “overwhelmingly used for reasons of safety, hygiene, product protection, quality assurance and information”.

The BRC insisted that retailers share the WI's environmental aims and continue to do a great deal towards them.

BRC director general Kevin Hawkins said: “The Women's Institutes' tactics are misguided. No one adds packaging for its own sake. Retailers and manufacturers recognise their environmental responsibilities and have a strong financial incentive to use no more than necessary, at the same time they are making big efforts to innovate and boost recycling.

“We do not apologise for packaging. It doesn't add to waste, it reduces it. It also protects the product from incidental or malicious damage at each stage of the supply chain. Would any customer accept a new television or eggs that were supplied unwrapped? It keeps us safe and healthy and makes modern lifestyles possible,” Mr Hawkins added.

Celebrities
Nevertheless, the WI's campaign has garnered support from celebrities including Ecologist editor and Tory advisor Zac Goldsmith as well as actress Joanna Lumley.

Mr Goldsmith said: “Excess packaging in supermarkets is a real problem – and it's wonderful to see the NFWI leading the way with this initiative. I hope many more people join them in their campaign to persuade the big retailers to change their packaging policies.”

Commenting on the campaign today, Liberal Democrat spokesman Martin Horwood MP said: “Everyone is fed up with fighting their way through layers of cardboard and plastic to find a large amount of air along with products Supermarkets are not the only culprits. Everything from confectioneries to electronic products are puffed up by the marketing industry to look good on the shelves.

“I am going to write to major retailers and manufacturers and ask for their response to the WI's call for less wasteful and excessive packaging.”