An alliance has been formed recently to advocate for the fibre-based packaging industry in the development and implementation of waste and recycling policy in the UK.
The ‘Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging’ includes members from across the fibre-based packaging value chain, including raw material suppliers, convertors, distributors, retailers and other stakeholders.
Paul Vanston, CEO, Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), said, “Fibre-based packaging is part of daily life in homes and businesses across the UK, supporting the country’s economic growth. I’m delighted the new Alliance has been set-up, and INCPEN will work constructively with the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging as we do across the essential UK materials sectors.”
Founding members include Huhtamaki, Seda, Benders Paper Cups, Colpac, Sonoco, ProAmpac, Coveris, Sabert, Graphic Packaging, the Vending and Automated Retail Association (AVA) and the European Carton Makers Association (ECMA).
Neil Whittall, Head of Sustainability, Huhtamaki Fiber Foodservice EAO and co-chair of the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging, said, “As fibre-based packaging options become more common as a renewably sourced and low carbon alternative to fossil-based products, it is essential that as much fibre-based packaging material as possible is collected, sorted and recycled. Our businesses are committed to working closely with the UK government and stakeholders to ensure that the detailed implementation of waste and recycling policies supports this outcome.”
The Alliance aims to promote the benefits of fibre-based and fibre-based composite (FBC) packaging. It will focus initially on the advocating for the packaging type during the development of extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR), including:
- Ensuring a level playing field between materials.
- Ensuring the maximum acceptability of fibre-based packaging within the UK’s fibre collection and recycling system.
- Providing representation for the fibre-based packaging sector in future recycling and waste policy development.
Paul Sanderson, chief executive, The Recycling Association, added, “I look forward to developing a partnership with the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging to ensure that fibre and fibre-based packaging is designed to be recyclable while also protecting the product within it. Working across the value chain is essential as we look to develop the circular economy, and the Alliance will be a vital part of that.”
