Since the start of the year there has been a flurry of media activity on the amount of waste we generate, how it is recycled and the perception that over packaging is a major contributor to the problem, but I suspect one major issue is how to get into the pack in the first place.
During a recent training course, students were asked which types of packaging they liked or disliked. In the class of ten it took six responses until one said how much they liked their washing ball / detergent bottle because it was so convenient to use.
Unsurprisingly, vacuum sealed bacon and welded clam packs were voiced as being extremely problematical and two students were in harmony about toys physically screwed into the packaging. One said: “How do you explain to your child on Christmas morning that Daddy is just going to get his long handled 2pt “posidriv” screwdriver before you can play with your Christmas present?”
We need to get the message across that packaging plays a vital role in reducing waste and making peoples lives safer and better. Perhaps one way is to use the very medium we have in front of us and tell a story. Ingredient lists advise what is in the product, so why not describe the benefits that this or that pack type or process provides on the pack itself. Educating the public is key and good industry training is essential to resolve these problems.
So are we going to wait until Easter arrives and get another media backlash or take steps to show how responsible we are? Let's not get all screwed up again!
