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8 out of 10 Brits want their food to be packed in compostable packaging

A new poll of the UK public found that more than eight in ten would have preferred their food to be packed in compostable packaging rather than conventional plastic.

The survey also found that more than eight in ten UK consumers are in favor of a tax on plastic packaging, while 80 percent would like compostable packaging to be taxed differently than conventional plastic.

The Yonder survey of 2,085 British adults, commissioned by compostable packaging manufacturer TIPA, is amid government plans to introduce a tax on plastic packaging.

It should come on the market in April 2022 and cover plastic packaging with less than 30 percent recycled content.

Many activists and citizens have raised concerns that the proposed tax does not take into account compostable packaging solutions as they are currently treated as conventional polluting plastic.

Speaking to the House of Lords last week, Baroness Bakewell called on the government to recognize the role of compostable materials in reducing plastic pollution – separate and separate tax treatment of compostable materials should be considered by colleagues today.

Sian Sutherland, Co-Founder of A Plastic Planet commented, “Using compostable materials as a conduit to channel food waste into the food waste and composting system is a double benefit for the environment.

“They help us create more compost for our hungry soils, and they help reduce plastic pollution on our soil.”

“It makes no sense for the ministers to stick to a policy that does not recognize the beneficial use of compostable materials and treats them in the same way as conventional plastics, which only harm our soil and our sea.”

Staniforth promoted to Director at Ecosurety

New role as Director of Innovation and Policy for Robbie Staniforth, who has 13 years of experience in the waste and recycling sector – including ten years with Ecosurety.

The Manufacturer Compliance Program confirms the funding as the company seeks to expand its advisory services ahead of the major UK Extended Manufacturer Responsibility (EPR) reform.

In the past, Staniforth has worked closely with Defra on recent packaging consultations and has been the Inaugural Chairman of the Packaging Scheme Forum since its inception in 2018.

Last month he was invited to join the government’s Advisory Committee on Packaging (ACP).

Commenting on the promotion, Will Ghali, CEO of Ecosurety, “Robbie is not only a widely respected figure in the packaging, resource and waste sectors, he is also a valued member of the Ecosurety team.

“As the newly appointed Director of Innovation and Policy, Robbie will build on his policy lessons at the highest level while managing a wide range of innovation projects that can help bring about transformative change in the resource and waste sector.”

Staniforth said: “It has been an exceptionally successful time for Ecosurety and I am excited to lead the plans for further development.

“There are so many ways to use our know-how to achieve better results from manufacturer responsibility.”

“I look forward to using my passion for real, meaningful change to make the UK a much more resource-efficient place to live.”

DS Smith Appoints New UK Managing Director, Recycling

DS Smith today announced the appointment of Andy Berrisford as the new UK Managing Director for Recycling.

Berisford will be responsible for the recycling activities of the sustainable packaging company and will join DS Smith after 13 years with the global packaging company Amcor.

Berisford joined the Amcor Flexibles location in 2007 as Finance Director, then moved to general management roles from 2010 before becoming Commercial Excellence Director Snacks and Confectionery for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

Commenting on the new role, Berrisford said: “ I am very excited to join DS Smith as UK Managing Director, Recycling, as I have followed and admired the work of the company over the years.

“Having previously worked in the packaging market, I understand the importance of reducing the environmental impact of packaging and have seen the rapid acceleration of e-commerce worldwide during the Covid pandemic.”

“By joining DS Smith’s recycling division, I will work closely with our customers and be at the heart of the circular economy and our closed-loop offering.”

Rogier Gerritsen, Managing Director, DS Smith Recycling Division, said: “I am delighted to have Andy on board at such a crucial time.

“Our customers are facing new recycling challenges resulting from the changed shopping habits of consumers and attitudes towards sustainable packaging as a result of Covid.”

“Andy will really help us focus on improving the collection infrastructures so we can recycle more by collecting the best materials.”

The waste analysis shows an increase in discarded glass, tin and dog feces

Cromwell polyethylene litter analysis shows a sharp increase in glass and sheet metal waste. 90 percent of those surveyed said they encountered scattered dog poop.

The company, which provides products for the collection and containment of materials for recycling, conducted a litter selection and survey on dog poop as part of the analysis.

The company carried out five cleanups around Sherburn, where Cromwell Polyethylene is located; near their CPR manufacturing facility in Alfreton; and from team members who work from home.

In addition to jumping into bottles and cans, the garbage selection also saw a significant increase in PPE discarded compared to its previous selection last September.

Cromwell noted higher levels of fly tipping in rural and wooded areas – trash was also recovered in an area where bins were clearly available.

More than 700 pieces of garbage were collected in 15 bags weighing almost 15 kg.

In the dog poop survey, 90 percent of respondents said they encountered dog poop that was not disposed of, with 60 percent of that group saying they see a large amount of it.

60 percent think it is due to laziness or vandalism.

James Lee, General Manager of Cromwell Polythene, said, “People are quick to point fingers at plastic pollution, but our results suggest that several types of material are being discarded.

“None of these materials are to blame – instead, we have to change our behavior to improve the environment on everyone’s doorstep.”