Standardised recycling logo and call to action for retail packaging << Back to Main News Page Added: Monday, 18 February 2008 Recoup are amongst a number of organisations consulted for their views on an initiative to clarify packaging recycling being developed by BRC, WRAP and a list of retailers. Tesco, Marks and Spencer and Asda are amongst those who have backed the introduction of a new standardised logo for packaging which indicates whether each of the materials used is capable of being recovered by existing collecting and sorting systems operated by Local Authorities.   The logo system has been developed by WRAP and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to replace the potentially confusing range of symbols and messages which are currently used on packaging. The three categories proposed are: Widely recycled - where 65 per cent of local authorities recycle the material Check locally - for between 25 and 65 per cent of local authorities Not currently recycled - for less than 20 per cent of local authorities The Government, local authorities, manufacturers and retailers have been involved in the consultations, to ensure that the scheme has widespread acceptance. Recoup were also asked for our thoughts - here's what CEO John Simmons had to say: "Recoup supports the broad principles of this initiative. However, we believe for it to be practically useful, respected and used, the information on 'back of pack' needs to be clear, accurate and avoid providing misleading information or negative/unfounded perceptions. "There will be strong commercial pressures to ensure that both own brand and private label products carry the 'can be recycled' logo. If genuine recyclability standards are compromised the scheme will fall into disrepute and be the subject of much criticism. It follows therefore that considerable care and attention to detail needs to be taken in developing the initiative and approving the label to be used. We believe that the initiative should be rolled out in a series of phases. "This is a complex issue to get right and should be based on achieving a quality return of recyclable material NOT a high quantity of material of poor quality which will result in unnecessary additional sorting and reprocessing costs. The emphasis must be on achieving high quality returns - increased volumes will occur progressively." The first products packaged with the new logos went on sale in December, and will initially appear only on retailer own-brands. The multiples hope to eventually persuade brand owners to use it on their products. The Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (Incpen), have expressed concerns about the scheme. They feel that that local authorities should be responsible for informing the public what can and can't be recycled and that on-pack messages could simply say 'please recycle', together with a recognised symbol such as the 'Recycle Now' logo. To read more about the consultation, go to www.brc.org.uk or www.wrap.org.uk This initiative is part of work taking place under the umbrella of the Courtauld Commitment - an agreement between WRAP and major grocery organisations to come up with alternative packaging solutions and technologies which will result in less rubbish ending up in the household bin. These solutions include innovative packaging formats, reducing the weight of packaging, collaboration on packaging design guidance and increasing the amount of recycled content packaging used. The main objectives of the commitment are: To design out packaging waste growth by 2008 To deliver absolute reductions in packaging waste by 2010 To identify ways to tackle the problem of food waste Recoup feel that the first two objectives should be underpinned by the ethos of "increasing the amount of packaging waste capable of being recovered through various waste management options and assisted through the adoption of good Recyclability by Design." Since it was launched in 2005, 26 major retailers, brands and suppliers have signed up to the commitment, including Asda, Budgens, the Co-operative Group, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury, Somerfield, Tesco, Waitrose, Unilever, Dairy Crest, Mars UK and Coca-Cola Enterprises.