Responsible Packaging

Every year in the UK we produce millions of tonnes of waste from packaging. Although much of it is capable of being recycled, we actually dump most in landfill, which is in contravention of the recycling targets set by the European Commission. By the end of 2008, at least 55% must be recycled if we are to achieve the minimum European target.

If you handle packaging materials, either as a producer or user, then your activities may well be subject to regulation. For example:

• If you produce packaged goods or put them on sale, then you will be subject to the "Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations", which require you to:
  
  
  • Minimise the amount of packaging you use
  • Ensure the concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and certain other constituents does not exceed specified limits
  • Ensure the packaging is capable of being recycled or preferably reused



• If your turnover exceeded £2M in the last year and you handled in excess of 50 tonnes of packaging, then you will be subject to the requirements of the "Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations".
  
  These require you to register with your environmental regulator and have a programme in place for recovering and recycling waste packaging

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