INCPEN – the Industry Council for research on Packaging & the Environment – has submitted written evidence to parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee for its inquiry into the effects on the environment of disposable drinks packaging, focusing in particular on the impact of plastic bottles and coffee cups.

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In its submission, INCPEN explains the benefits of these types of packaging – the protection they provide to products and their ability to meet consumer demand for drinking on-the-go – and not just the negative impact they can have if handled irresponsibly.  The organisation points out that while packaging is the subject of much media attention, it is not the sole cause of marine or land litter; and that all drinks containers are less than 15% of litter by any measure.

INCPEN believes there is a tendency for media commentators to muddle two distinct challenges – the need to increase the quantity and quality of materials recycled; and how to prevent the littering of anything.  In terms of recycling, INCPEN says it is vital to consider the environmental impact of the recycling process itself, which in some instances can be more than the value that can be recovered.

The problem of littering, meanwhile, can only be effectively tackled by targeting all types of litter and not just selected items.  HUBBUB’s Neat Streets campaign, which INCPEN supports, focuses on how the littering of anything is socially unacceptable.

The INCPEN submission casts doubt on the effectiveness of Deposit Return Systems, particularly in the UK which has hugely increased its recycling rates in the last 20 years and has widespread kerbside collections.  The current slight fall in recycling rates, says the organisation, was due to a decline in green waste, not paper and packaging.                      

“We welcome this inquiry and hope it will cast some clear light on the reasons why plastic bottles and coffee cups exist and both the positive and negative impact they have,” comments INCPEN director Jane Bickerstaffe.

“What is essential is that these bottles and cups are considered as part of the wider question of preventing littering.  We do not believe that focusing on individual items will have the desired effect.”

More info:
www.incpen.org