Enviornmental Matters For Packagers - News and Innovations Weekly Wrap

Date:2009-4-26 14:19:00

Today the world marks Earth Day where consumers and businesses are encouraged to think about the earth and the environment. packaging companies are continually pushing to use less packaging and recyclable materials. Using sustainable materials and balancing environmental impact with safety and consumer needs are the challenges which Packaging producers face both now and in the future. Big retailers already following steps to meet such needs include Marks & Spencer which follows a Packaging charter outlining steps to reduce packaging, maximise recyclability and use sustainable materials where available. Also in the news this week, the UK has joined the rest of the EU by signing agreements with major international companies to combat illicit trade in tobacco products. Under the agreement, producers are required to select and monitor customers, track and trace certain packaging and provide support to law enforcement in the battle against illegal trade in cigarettes. Innovations announcements this week have been led by food company Premier Foods, which has launched its flavoured mayonnaises in squeezy 295ml size PET bottles made by Graham Packaging Plastics. As well as marking Earth Day, 22 April is Budget Day in the UK, where the chancellor Alistair Darling will be announcing financial measures to restore the health of the economy. To find out how Packaging companies could be affected by the latest announcements see our financial wrap later this week.