WRAP Chief Executive Liz Goodwin praised the positive progress made by the UK’s DIY sector on its Halving Waste to Landfill targets. The target is to reduce packaging by 15% and landfill waste by 50% by 2012.
Between 2007 and 2010 they had reduced their packaging by 12% which equated to about 14,000 tonnes, and they cut waste by 64% which equates to 61,000 tonnes.
Progress to date has been measured on a like-for-like basis to take account of the recession and a reduction in sales volume in the sector since the 2007 baseline. Signatories such as, Wickes, Argos, B&Q, Crown Paints and Homebase have also pledged to make recycling easier for consumers by providing guidance and improving the design of products and packaging.
“These interim results are really encouraging, especially when you consider that these supply chains extend around the globe and the long lead times for changes to products to be felt in the UK,” said Goodwin. “
“There is still well over a year to go, with the results to 2010 indicating that we should be looking at some very positive financial and environmental savings by the time the agreement finishes at the end of 2012.”
Goodwin emphasised the importance of the sector remaining focused, particularly with regards to the packaging target which remains challenging in the face of changing global and home delivery systems. WRAP continues to work with signatories to reduce the amount of waste generated in the first place.
As a signatory to the halving waste to landfill, Recipro would like to encourage all to follow the waste hierarchy when disposing of materials, with prevention and the reuse of materials being prioritised before recycling and disposal.