The Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging has launched to provide an expert voice for the fibre-based packaging industry in the development and implementation of waste and recycling policy the UK.
The new group welcomes members from across the fibre-based packaging value chain, including raw material suppliers, convertors, distributors, retailers and other stakeholders. Founding members include Huhtamaki, Seda, Benders Paper Cups, Colpac, Sonoco, ProAmpac, Coveris, Sabert, Graphic Packaging, AVA – The Vending and Automated Retail Association and ECMA – The European Carton Makers Association. Instinctif Partners and Dram Communications will act as the Alliance secretariat.
The Alliance will focus on the benefits of fibre-based and fibre-based composite (FBC) packaging, which perform critical packaging functions to protect food and other consumer goods, provide consumer safety and hygiene, and enable convenience and efficiency.
The Alliance launches at a critical time for the development of waste and recycling policy in the UK, with the introduction of Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) this year and the ongoing implementation of Simpler Recycling, which will standardise business and household recycling collection across England.
The Alliance has been established to facilitate representation in the development of pEPR as the UK moves to the producer pays model, ensuring a level playing field between materials; ensure the maximum acceptability of fibre-based packaging within the UK’s fibre collection and recycling system; and provide representation for the fibre based packaging sector in future recycling and waste policy development.
Neil Whittall, head of sustainability at Huhtamaki Fiber Foodservice EAO and co-chair of the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging, said: “As fibre-based packaging options become more common as a renewably sourced and low carbon alternative to fossil based products, it is essential that as much fibre-based packaging material as possible is collected, sorted and recycled. Our businesses are committed to working closely with the UK Government and stakeholders to ensure that the detailed implementation of waste and recycling policies supports this outcome.”
Paul Vanston, chief executive of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), said: “Fibre-based packaging is part of daily life in homes and businesses across the UK, supporting the country’s economic growth. I’m delighted the new Alliance has been set-up, and INCPEN will work constructively with the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging as we do across the essential UK materials sectors.”
Paul Sanderson, chief executive of The Recycling Association, said: “I look forward to developing a partnership with the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging to ensure that fibre and fibre-based packaging is designed to be recyclable while also protecting the product within it. Working across the value chain is essential as we look to develop the circular economy, and the Alliance will be a vital part of that.”
David Llewellyn, chief executive, AVA: The Vending & Automated Retail Association, said: “Fibre-Based Packaging in the form of cups is an essential part of a thriving and energetic out-of-home sector. In the case of vending, primarily workplace – where collection and recycling are integral to our offer. We support Government moves towards Extended Producer Responsibility in a co-ordinated manner across the whole of the UK to ensure a sustainable circular economy.”
