Bruce backs tougher moves for retail packaging

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Oct 2007

Malcolm Bruce, the MP for Gordon is today giving his support to a new Parliamentary Bill which aims to cut excess packaging. Mr. Bruce has already backed a Parliamentary motion

The Packaging (Reduction) Bill which being presented to Parliament today (Tuesday) was brought forward by Mr. Bruce's Liberal Democrat colleague, Jo Swinson, MP for East Dunbartonshire.

The bill calls for the establishment of a national body to promote and enforce packaging reduction, binding targets for packaging reduction in place of existing voluntary targets, and would enable consumers to deposit packaging in supermarkets for recycling.

Mr. Bruce said:

"Research suggests that families now spend an average of £470 a year on packaging, that is a 6th of their household food budget spent not on food but on the packaging it comes in. Why are we shrink-wrapping fruit and vegetables for instance? This seems to be a harmful and pointless levy on families who are trying to be more environmentally aware.

With a report today from the Local Government Association showing that up to 40 per cent of packaging used by supermarkets cannot be recycled, it is time for the Government to take the lead in tackling the packaging problem by setting standards for the industry. "

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Full title of Jo Swinson MP's 10 Minute Rule Motion:

Packaging (Reduction) Bill: That leave be given to bring in a Bill to establish a national body to promote and enforce packaging reduction; to make provision for the disposal of packaging by certain retailers; to establish binding targets for the reduction of packaging; and for connected purposes.

• Malcolm Bruce is a signatory to EDM 814- on Excessive Packaging. The text of which follows: That this House notes with concern the excessive levels of packaging used by manufacturers and retailers, accounting for 4.6 million tonnes of household waste every year and 17 per cent. of the average household food budget; commends the recent campaign against excessive packaging run by the Independent newspaper; and urges supermarkets to reduce where possible packaging on goods sold, encourage the re-use of plastic bags, recycle packaging waste and encourage suppliers to reduce packaging further up the supply chain.