Here at Innovative, we are always passionate about providing a helping hand for all our customers and supplying them with all they need to continue their carbon reduction journey. With the increasing focus on environmental responsibility and consumer safety, navigating packaging regulations and compliance can be a daunting task for all businesses.
In the UK, there are several regulations and environmental laws to work by, understanding and adhering to these are important for businesses to ensure compliance and maintain environmental and safety standards. So, in this article we will explore all the key regulations and provide helpful tips to comply by these.
Packaging Waste Regulations:
The Producer Responsibility Obligations Regulations 2007 obligates businesses that handle packaging to comply by…
Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations: These regulations set out essential requirements for packaging design and composition to limit it’s environmental impact. All packaging must be designed and manufactured to facilitate recycling and reuse while minimising waste generation.
Extended Producer Responsibility: EPR schemes require manufacturers to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their packaging throughout it’s existence. This will involve meeting recycling targets and may involve making financial contribution to recycling and recovery schemes.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations: This regulation covers the packaging of electrical and electronic equipment, producers of such equipment must ensure that packaging waste is minimised and managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Deposit Return Scheme (DRS): The UK government has proposed the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, including plastic, glass and metal. This requires consumers to pay a deposit when purchasing drinks in containers which they can reclaim when they return the empty containers for recycling. This aims to increase recycling rates and reduce littering.
Plastic Packaging Tax: The Plastic Packaging Tax aims to discourage the use of virgin plastic in packaging and encourages the use of recycled plastic. Those that will be subject to the tax will be manufacturers or importers of plastic packaging that contain less than 30% recycled content.
Environmental Laws:
The UK has several environmental laws governing waste management and pollution control, the key legislation includes…
Environmental Protection Act 1990: This law provides the legal framework for waste management, environmental protection and pollution control. Covers a wide range of environmental issues such as air and water quality and waste disposal.
Waste Regulations 2011 (England and Wales): These regulations implement EU directives on waste management and recycling.
Waste Regulations 2012 (Scotland): Similar regulations apply to Scotland, ensuring proper waste management practices.
Environmental Protection Act 1990: This law provides the legal framework for waste management, environmental protection and pollution control. Covers a wide range of environmental issues such as air and water quality, waste disposal and contaminated land.
Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005: These regulations govern the management and disposal of hazardous waste om the UK. Establishing requirements for the handling, transport and disposal of hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment.
Safety Standards:
Ensuring packaging safety is at a high priority, relevant safety standards and regulations include:
General Product Safety Regulations 2005: Businesses must ensure that packaging materials meet general safety requirements. All products and packaging must be safe for their intended use and not pose any risks.
Food Safety Act 1990: For packaging intended for food products, it must not contaminate food or pose any health risks to consumers.
BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials: The British Retail Consortium Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials is a widely recognised industry standard for ensuring the safety and quality of packaging materials used in the food industry. Covering all areas of hygiene, product safety and quality management systems.
ISO 22000 2018: This is an international standard for food safety management, while it is not specific to packaging it provides guidelines for ensuring the safety of food products, including packaging materials used in contact with food.
Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations: While primarily focused on environmental concerns, these regulations also set out essential requirements for packaging safety. Packaging must be designed and manufactured to ensures it does not pose any ricks to health or safety.
Child-resistant Packaging Requirements: Various regulations and guidelines mandate the use of child-resistant packaging for certain products, such as medications and household chemicals to prevent accidental ingestion by children.
Now that we have made you aware of the regulations, here are some tips to stay compliant with them.
- Stay updated- Regulations often change, so regular check for updates from relevant authorities.
- Register- Ensure your business is registered with an APPROVED compliance scheme for packaging waste.
- Data Reporting- Keep up-to-date records and submit annual data on packaging materials handled and used,
- Ensure Safety and Quality- Use packaging materials that meet safety standards and ensure product integrity, CHECK OUT OUR PACKAGING COLLECTION NOW.
By understanding the above regulations, stayed updated and implementing the best practices to comply with them, businesses can ensure that their packaging meets both environmental and safety standards. Leading to a more sustainable and responsible business environment.