Retailers are seizing the initiative and working to agree standardised recycling labeling for packaging as a way of encouraging customers to recycle and so help the Government achieve its waste reduction targets.
Retailers believe customers are increasingly frustrated that they do not know which packaging can be recycled. They are looking to replace the current, potentially confusing, range of symbols and messages with a single logo.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) have launched a consultation with Government, local authorities, manufacturers and retailers to make sure the scheme has widespread acceptance.
Previously, differences in local recycling regimes have thwarted efforts to produce universal recyclability labeling. The BRC is proposing packaging will be divided into three categories from 'widely recycled' to 'not currently recycled', depending on how likely it is a customer's local authority will accept the material.
British Retail Consortium Director General Kevin Hawkins said: "Retailers plan to have the new logo in use early in the New Year. That shows voluntary action can achieve more, and more quickly, than any legislation. Retailers recognise they are uniquely placed to change customers' behaviour and help the Government achieve its waste reduction targets.
Ideally material that's recyclable in one area would be recyclable everywhere but, so far, it isn't. Local inconsistencies cannot be allowed to thwart a standardised label which will help millions of customers and mean more of what can be recycled is collected."
British Retail Consortium
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