Packaging

Packaging is essential because it protects and preserves food and drink from spoilage and contamination throughout the distribution chain and ensures it remains in premium condition for us to consume throughout its shelf life. It therefore plays a valuable role in reducing food waste which if sent to landfill is up to 15x more polluting than packaging.

Packaging also conveys essential product information much of which is required by law. However, everyone agrees that optimising the amount of packaging we use, is important from a resource efficiency standpoint.

For this reason FDF is encouraging its members to sign up to the Courtauld Commitment, which is overseen by a government-funded organisation called Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

Companies who join the Courtauld Commitment – and many FDF members have already done so - must promise to cut the amount of packaging they use.

Recycling is another important aspect of reducing the impact of packaging on the environment. Here, too, food and drink manufacturers are playing their part in contributing to the UK meeting the challenging targets under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. The food industry recovered and recycled 6.4 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2006 – nearly double that in 1998.

FDF members are also committed to providing consumers with the information they need on how best to recycle or recover used packaging.