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Environment Minister calls on food industry for action on misleading packaging Environment Minister, North East Somerset's MP Dan Norris, is calling on the food industry to avoid using packaging which claims to be biodegradable - but which is no better than conventional plastics. His call comes after the publication of a Government-commissioned study, carried out by Loughborough University (for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), which examined the environmental effects of oxo-degradable plastics. These are made from the most common types of plastic, but include small amounts of additives to make them degrade at a faster rate. These plastics, often used in bags and packaging, are frequently advertised as being degradable, biodegradable or environmentally-friendly. But the study found that using additives to speed up degradation won't improve their environmental impact. The study highlighted the uncertainty about the impact of the plastics on the natural environment when they begin to breakdown into smaller pieces. It also raised concerns that these plastics are neither suitable for conventional recycling methods, due to the chemical additives, nor suitable for composting, due to the plastic not breaking down fast enough. Dan said: "The research clearly shows us that consumers risk being confused by some claims made about oxo-degradable plastics. As these plastics cannot be composted, the term 'biodegradable' can cause confusion. "Incorrect disposal of oxo-degradable plastics has the potential to negatively affect both recycling and composting facilities." Manufacturers, retailers, trade bodies and waste treatment companies were all consulted in the research and Dan's call for action has already seen success. "We hope this research will discourage manufacturers and retailers from claiming that these materials are better for the environment than conventional plastics," said Dan. "I've been in touch with the companies affected and one retailer, the Co-operative, has already confirmed that it will not be using this type of plastic in its carrier bags in the future. This is a positive step and will make it easier for people to do the right thing by the environment." Iain Ferguson, Environment Manager, The Co-operative Food said: "We've already decided to stop purchasing carrier bags with the oxo-biodegradable additive. And with the support of our customers and staff, we have reduced carrier bag numbers by 60% in the last three years. "We have also
launched the UK's first home-compostable carrier bag, certified by the
Association for Organic Recycling (and to EN 13432), which is accepted
for food waste collections by a number of local authorities."
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