Co-op Brand Packaging Policy

Transcription

1 Headline Requirements Minimise packaging weight Minimise headspace Minimise packaging layers Maximise recycled content Mark plastic components with Mobius loop Maximise recyclability Do not use PVC Do not use GM materials Use CEPE or JPMA inks and varnishes Use pulp from sustainable sources Certify to ISO 9001 Certify to BRC/IoP Packaging Standard Page 1 of 6

2 General Packaging is essential to protect product so that the customer can enjoy it at its best. Packaging keeps food fresh until it is consumed, reduces wastage, acts as a medium for important and essential consumer information, and presents the product attractively in store. Since the Packaging Regulations of 1998, we are required to minimise packaging, facilitate recycling and take account of safety, hygiene and customer requirements. We are also responsible for the cost of recycling our packaging, and we have to pay a levy based on how much packaging we use. In addition to any Environmental considerations, we therefore have a positive commercial incentive to use less packaging, more recycled/ recyclable materials and innovative formats and materials. Aim of Policy The aim of this policy is to continually improve the sustainability of the packaging used for Co-op Brand products. In this context, improving sustainability will be defined as Reducing the environmental impacts of the packaging while maintaining fitness for purpose and cost effectiveness. The provenance of the materials used in the manufacture of the packaging, and the disposal/recycling/recovery route will always be included in any considerations. Along with other major retailers, the Co-operative Group has joined forces with WRAP, pledging our commitment at executive level to achieve the following objectives; To design out packaging waste growth by 2008 To deliver absolute reductions in packaging waste by March 2010 To identify ways to tackle the problem of food waste This agreement is known as the Courtauld Commitment, which was agreed in This policy will be delivered principally by moving packaging up the waste management hierarchy. The headings used below are taken directly from the waste management hierarchy and are presented in order of preference. Page 2 of 6

3 The Waste Management Hierarchy Reduce the quantity and complexity of the packaging Refuse over packaging Reuse packaging where possible, e.g. multi trip secondary packaging. Recycle where possible, e.g. recycling of stretchwrap. Replace materials with lower impact and more recyclable materials. Source Reduction (Waste Reduction) The Co-operative Group is committed to minimising the amount of packaging it uses. We are working closely with WRAP (the Government sponsored Waste & Resources Action Programme) to reduce the amount of packaging used for Co-op Brand. It is a requirement for Co-op Brand that buyers and suppliers must ensure that the amount of packaging used is minimised. Ensure packaging is "Best in Class" according to the WRAP database at Reduce the weight of packaging wherever possible. Avoid excessive headspace. Do not use unnecessary layers of packaging (e.g. a jar/ bottle inside a carton) or packaging components. Page 3 of 6

4 Re-use Returnable packaging may provide a major environmental advantage over one trip/single use packaging. A feasibility study & Life Cycle Analysis may be advisable to establish benefits and comparisons for different applications. Recycling Materials used for packaging should be selected to maximise recyclability and minimise materials sent to landfill. In some cases, this aim may work against the aim of weight reduction. Weight reduction will usually take precedence. Packaging should be made recyclable if there is a significant availability of facilities available to the consumer. If possible, avoid the use of composite materials or multi-materials that will reduce recyclability. All subsidiary materials (e.g. labels and glues) must be compatible with the primary materials for recycling purposes. Avoid captive caps and similar components that may interfere with recycling. Don t introduce new materials for pack formats where the material may interfere with an established recycling stream. All solid plastic components must carry the appropriate recycling symbol (Mobius loop). Recycled Materials Recycled materials should be used for all non food-contact applications where it is feasible to do so. There is an increasing potential for using recycled materials in food contact packaging which should be exploited. As well as the well established recycling of glass, steel and aluminium, we now have recycled PET and PE available. For food contact applications there are two recycled PET technologies. In one, the recyclate is cleaned and decontaminated so that it can directly replace virgin polymer, in the second, recyclate is sandwiched between layers of virgin PET. The amount of recycled material used should be maximised. Page 4 of 6

5 Recovery (Composting) Recovery through composting is considered by some to be equivalent to recycling. It is our belief that recycling is usually a better proposition. Home compostable packaging that meets the requirements of the OK Compost Home standard should be used where there is no established recycling stream. Home composting is a very cost effective and energy efficient method of waste disposal as it requires no collection infrastructure and entails no labour costs on the part of local authorities. Ideally, all components in the pack should meet the standard for a claim on pack to be made. The current lack of widespread availability of in-vessel composting precludes the use of polymers that meet ISO If this situation changes to a significant degree, and if waste collection authorities accept such polymers into their composting stream, the policy should be reviewed. Energy Recovery with Heat and Power The current waste collection infrastructure precludes basing any part of this policy on energy recovery. If this situation changes to a significant degree, the policy should be reviewed. Landfill with Energy Recovery Oxobiodegradable packaging should be considered for use on packaging materials for which there is no established recycling stream or recovery of biomass through composting. This option does not have the equivalent status of recycling of composting. If a recycling stream for these materials is established and is widely available to consumers, this option should be abandoned. Other Issues Accessibility Braille should be used for Co-op Brand packaging where it would be of benefit to the visually impaired, and where it is technically and commercially feasible to do so. To help partially sighted customers, print on information and safety panels on pack should be a minimum of 6 point. Serif and Sans Serif Roman fonts are acknowledged as most easily readable and are therefore preferred. Over decorative, cursive, italicised and scripted fonts and capitalisation are harder to read and should be avoided for essential information. Dark text on light background is preferred. Light text on dark background should only be used above 12 point. Subtle shades of contrast should be avoided. Green and red in combination should be avoided as these are the most common colours that cause problems to those people affected by colour blindness. Tear strips and other easy open devices should be used for Co-op Brand packs wherever possible. Page 5 of 6

6 PVC PVC may not be used for Co-op Brand products. There are many environmental concerns regarding the use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The manufacture and disposal of PVC can involve emission of environmentally damaging chemicals. Alternatives to PVC are available in almost all instances. Genetically Modification Packaging used for Co-op Brand may not involve genetically modified organisms at any stage in its production. Animal Testing Packaging used for Co-op Brand may not involve animal testing at any stage in its production or development. Animal Ingredients Packaging used for Co-op Brand should not involve the use of animal ingredients at any stage in its production. If the use of an animal ingredient is essential, permission should be sought from the Commercial Packaging Manager, the use logged and the fact declared on pack. In addition, work should start immediately on finding alternatives. Underage Sales Co-op Brand packaging must not be designed to attract underage sales. Inks and Varnishes All printing inks and varnishes shall conform to CEPE (the European council of Paint and Printing Ink and Artists Colours Industry) or the Japan Printing Ink Makers Association guidelines. These are voluntary codes, endorsed by many major ink producers, which specifically exclude the use of chemicals or substances such as PVC, Bisphenol A, Phthalates, Mercury, Lead, etc. which may be considered harmful to health and/or the environment. Sustainable Forestry All non-recycled pulp used in the manufacture of Co-op Brand packaging must come from forests with sustainability management. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is preferred, but there are still availability issues, as not many mills are FSC accredited. This option must be considered for all appropriate Co-op Brand packaging. Management Systems All packaging suppliers must be certified to ISO All food, oral hygiene and pharmaceutical packaging suppliers must be certified to the BRC/IoP Global Standard Food Packaging and Other Packaging Materials. Certification to ISO or EMAS would be a benefit, as would the establishment of an environmental management system. Page 6 of 6