Incpen is encouraging industry to voluntarily go beyond the letter of the law with an updated and expanded edition of its Responsible Packaging Code of Practice.
The new code addresses the narrow focus of the packaging waste essential requirements by looking at packaging waste as a system. It sets out ways in which companies can choose and design packaging to prevent product wastage and make best use of resources throughout the supply chain. It also aims to improve consumer acceptance of packaging. "It is a code for the real world," says Incpen director Jane Bickerstaffe.
Incpen worked with the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services to help bridge the gap between efforts made by industry and local authority to achieve the same goal.
The environment minister Michael Meacher and energy minister Brian Wilson have welcomed the code, along with trade associations representing 85% of the packaging supply chain.
Linpac Plastics has also commended the code. David Eggleston, head of safety and environmental affairs, said: "Environmental impact must be a key part of product development and design for the packaging industry."
The code is available in PDF form free from www.incpen.org or £4.95 for printed copies.
