Supermarkets must take responsibility on packaging

5.29.12pm GMT Thu 1st Feb 2007

Jo's Early Day Motion praises the recent campaign against excess packaging run by the Independent

Jo Swinson has raised concerns in Parliament over excessive packaging use by supermarkets and food producers.

Jo, who proposed a motion in Parliament today calling for a reduction in excess packaging by supermarkets, also raised the issue of recyclable packaging in the House of Commons.

Speaking to Secretary of State for the Environment David Miliband in Parliament today, she said:

"Isn't it the case that recycling rates would improve if more packaging were made of recyclable materials?

"What steps is the Secretary of State taking to encourage food producers, and particularly the large supermarket chains, to adopt a more responsible approach by reducing excess packaging, and importantly, making sure what packaging is necessary is made from materials that can be recycled?"

Commenting later, Jo said:

"Packaging now accounts for 17% of the average household food budget. We are all aware of the need to recycle more and produce less waste, but supermarkets and food producers must take more responsibility over the often excessive way goods are packaged.

"Cutting excess packaging would reduce the burden not only on consumers trying to reduce waste, but on their wallets as well.

"There are several other constructive steps that supermarkets should be taking to combat waste, such as making more of the packaging that is necessary out of recycled materials, and encouraging the re-use of plastic bags."

Full text of Jo Swinson's Early Day Motion 'Independent Newspaper campaign against excessive packaging':

That this House notes with concern the excessive levels of packaging used by manufacturers and retailers, accounting for 4.6 million tonnes of household waste every year and 17% of the average household food budget; commends the recent campaign against excessive packaging run by the Independent newspaper; and urges supermarkets to reduce where possible packaging on goods sold, encourage the re-use of plastic bags, recycle packaging waste, and encourage suppliers to reduce packaging further up the supply chain.

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