Which? Calls for More Recyclable Packaging

Consumer organisation Which? has called for major grocery brands to introduce more recyclable or sustainable packaging for products sold in stores and online.

Brands named by Which? include Cadbury’s, Mars Wrigley UK and Capri-Sun, which were found to sell several products provided in packaging that was not easily recyclable.

Which? singled out crisps, which it says generally come in recyclable packaging, but cannot be easily recycled due to the lack of collection points at supermarkets across the UK. It also pointed out that many consumers are unaware that the packaging can be recycled at all.

The consumer group recommended that crisps manufacturers – such as Pringles – make it more clear to consumers that part of the product’s packaging can be recycled.

However, Which? says it is seeing improvements. “There have been some positive changes since we first investigated this issue,” a spokesperson said. “A UK government ban on single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds is due in October 2020. And it plans a tax on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled plastic in 2022.

“But more must be done. Clear recycling labelling would make a big difference.”