INCPEN slams UK’s mixed messages on packaging
Jane Bickerstaff, director of the industry group, told FoodProductionDaily.com that muddled Government thinking on packaging meant that many consumers still believed it was part of the problem rather than the solution.
The organisation levelled its criticism at UK leaders after a poll by Ipsos Mori conducted last month for INCPEN found that just over a quarter of people agreed that food waste is a bigger environmental problem than packaging waste.
This contrasted sharply with the finding that 52% believed packaging was a more serious environmental concern than food waste.
The result came despite the fact that ten times more resources go into producing food than into the packaging which protects it, said INCPEN, while adding that without the protection of packaging food waste volumes would soar.
“The Government needs to explain to consumers that wasting food is a very serious environmental problem and far bigger than throwing away the few grams of packaging that made sure the food arrived safely,” said the body.
Knee-jerk reaction
Bickerstaffe noted the apparent disconnect in the UK Government’s attitude to packaging – appearing to acknowledge its important role, while also criticising suppliers and brand owners for producing and using excessive amounts.
“When asked, the Government said it accepts the role of packaging in cutting food waste but then says more should be done to reduce packaging,” she added. “The Government should be saying that if we use packaging properly, then there will be less food waste.”
The INCPEN chief said that anecdotal evidence suggested the mixed messages from the UK had actually been responsible for causing more food waste.
“Companies are cutting packaging because it reduces costs but anecdotal evidence suggests it is getting to the point where food products are actually being damaged,” said Bickerstaffe.
The move toward lightweighting had seen firms move away from heavier packaging that ensured long shelf life.
She said: “The way the Government has gone about trying to reduce packaging it has encouraged firms to move away from cans and glass, which gives foods a long shelf life.”
Ministerial revolving door
Part of the problem is that the succession of Government ministers dealing with packaging have not always had a full understanding of the issue.
Bickerstaffe said they tended to view packaging like “normal consumers rather than thinking about the complete supply chain” – with an appreciation that packaging specifications had to be tailored to protect the food from production through distribution onto retail shelves and into the homes of customers.
“There is a disconnect in Government thinking. They need a more coherent policy rather than going for a knee-jerk reaction,” she said.
Changing demographics with smaller households and the effect that has on packaging was a good example she said.
“This means that single-serve portions are on the increase – with a corresponding increase in the use of packaging materials. But this is a valid use of materials if it reduces food waste.”
Bickerstaffe added: “It would be great if Government could acknowledge the positives of packaging and help consumers understand these issues. The European Commission seems to have understood this but we have yet to see much evidence of this from the UK Government.”
