Make Recycling Packaging Easier, Says BPF

Sustainable packaging needs simpler design, more widely recyclable materials and easy-to-separate components, according to a new report by the British Plastics Federation (BPF).

The report outlines key principles and processes for sustainable plastic packaging, with the BPF stating that it promotes “principles for eco-design” based on a range of views from figures within the industry.

The BPF collected views from a workshop held in late 2019, attended by representatives and key figures from across the packaging supply chain, including retailers, material suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and academics.

The report states that “sustainable packaging design” can have many meanings, including ease of recyclability, using resources efficiently, using recycled content, reusability, or encouraging environmentally friendly consumer behaviour.

BPF Director General Philip Law commented, “It is important the industry continues the great strides already made in developing sustainable plastic packaging.

“We will continue our close collaboration with stakeholders along the supply chain to ensure we help encourage best design practices, and to help develop new and even more sustainable plastics packaging in the years to come. These and other efforts by the BPF will continue to ensure we play our part in making a circular economy for plastics a reality.”