Take care when introducing biopolymers, is the message for retailers from the UK’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap).
Most consumers are confused about the new materials, Wrap has found in its latest research involving 400 respondents.
While the idea of biodegradable and compostable plastics is attractive to consumers, they became less clear of the benefits when made aware of the possible impacts on plastics recycling, commercial composting or if sent to landfill, says Wrap.
Wrap executive director Phillip Ward said: “There is a lot of confusion about compostable packaging and biopolymers, both amongst consumers and industry.
“Some of these new materials do have great potential, but it is vital that they are introduced carefully, with the correct infrastructure in place, so that they can be dealt with properly once they have been used.”
Wrap is proposing a clear labelling system and guidelines for bioplastic products. The organisation, along with other stakeholders, is working with the Composting Association to modify standard tests and provide a certification service for home compostable packaging.
Wrap has published a briefing statement, presenting some of the considerations for brands and retailers when using biodegradable or compostable packaging materials.
In related news, retail giant Tesco has announced today the establishment of the Sustainable Consumption Institute at the University of Manchester, UK.
The SCI will coordinate a range of research programmes, the results of which will be shared “freely”.
Tesco hopes the £25m investment will “become a focal point for the next generation of researchers, policymakers and advisers in the area of sustainable consumption through an extensive postgraduate training programme.”
