Don’t forget to put packaging to the test, says Campden BRI

As the spotlight continues to shine on retailers’ and manufacturers’ efforts to meet the environmental targets set out by phase two of the Courtauld Commitment, Campden BRI is urging companies to carry out stringent tests to ensure packaging is fit for purpose.

“Courtauld Commitment 2 has moved the packaging waste issue away from solely weight-based targets to encourage the industry to achieve more sustainable use of resources over the entire lifecycle of products, throughout the whole supply chain,” explains Alan Campbell, Campden BRI’s Packaging Manager. “The aim is to achieve a 10% reduction in the carbon impact of packaging by 2012 by decreasing packaging weight, boosting recycling rates and increasing the recycled content of all grocery packaging – where it is appropriate to do so.

“While the industry has made significant steps to reduce packaging including measures such as light-weighting, it is important that any new packaging solutions are stringently tested to ensure packs can withstand the rigours of production, distribution and storage, as well as the demands consumers place on them.”

Campden BRI is urging firms to ensure that the technical properties of materials used for packaging are fit for purpose. Failure to do so could result in packs getting damaged which could lead to increased wastage of products, reduced profits, and, in advertently, detrimental effects on the environment.