- Packaging

Packaging

Packaging plays an important role in protecting and preserving the products we buy and in many cases we couldn’t do without it.

Retailers and manufacturers are working hard to reduce the amount of packaging waste we produce and reduce its impact on the environment.

Why do we need packaging?

Packaging plays an important role in our everyday lives and provides arrange of benefits from choice and convenience to ensuring the product arrives safely. Without a certain amount of protective packaging it is likely that products would get damaged and may then need to be disposed of.

Packaging is the name given to the containers in which products are bought, sold and transported. It ranges from cardboard boxes and wooden pallets to plastic bottles and aluminium drinks cans.

There are, however several measures you can take to reduce, reuse and recycle your packaging waste.

What can I do to Reduce Packaging?

• Choose products with less packaging Look out for products with reduced packaging, and avoid products which you feel are over-packaged.
  
• Buy concentrates Concentrated products contain less water so can reduce packaging by over 50%. Fabric conditioner, squash bottles, liquid detergent and hand wash are all examples of concentrated or refillable products. Follow manufactures instructions on cleaning products to make sure that you use the right amounts of these products.
  
• Provide customer feedback when you believe a product has too much packaging if you believe a product has too much packaging contact the retailer, brand or supplier. This can be done by revisiting the place that you bought the product, or by writing to them. Take a look at the product packing it may have a contact number of address for you to use.
  
• If you feel you are not making progress with your complaint or are unsatisfied with the response you receive, you can report the case to your local authority Trading Standards Office. To find your local office visit the Trading Standards website
  
  For further information and advice contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506

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