Think Packaging!
A fifth of our waste is packaging – that’s five million tonnes of household packaging waste in the UK every year.
Packaging is needed to protect products, particularly food, but excess packaging is a waste. So next time you are out shopping remember to Think Packaging!
Why is packaging needed?
Packaging helps to protect products and can help food to last longer, which helps to reduce waste. Unwrapped cucumbers are often un-saleable after three days, but using just under 2 grams of packaging can keep them fresh for up to 14 days. Packaging is also needed to transport products without damaging them.
The problem with excess packaging
Even though some packaging is necessary a lot of products have excess packaging which can mean the product costs more! Packaging is also often sent to landfill as it can be difficult to recycle.
Most products with excess packaging could use less packaging, or smarter packaging, such as recyclable material, to give the same amount of protection.
What can we do?
You can find out more about packaging in this section of the site, including: